From FUNK IN A MASON JAR
Written by Harvey Mason & Sally Mason
Harvey Mason Sr. is one of the drum legends of the American soul/jazz scene in the last fifty years. His refined and distinctive playing graces literally hundreds of recordings by a who’s who of artists including Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea (1941-2021), Kenny Loggins, George Benson, Lee Ritenour, Miles Davis (1926-1991), John Legend, Larry Carlton, Carole King, Bob James and so many others.
from GROOVIN’ YOU
Written by Harvey Mason & Onaje Allan Gumbs
Between the seventies and the eighties, legendary soul/jazz drummer Harvey Mason was one of the most sought-after session players as well as a successful R&B/fusion solo artist. In those glorious days, Mason played drums on many seminal records including George Benson’s “Breezin,’” Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man,” Bill Withers’ “Hello Like Before” and Kenny Loggins’ “Celebrate Me Home.” The revered drummer often crossed paths with fellow super session guy David Foster who co-wrote songs and played keyboards on his albums.
from IS IT YOU? (single)
written by Lee Ritenour, Eric Tagg & Bill Champlin
In 1981, the legendary jazz/fusion guitarist Lee Ritenour released “Rit,” a collection that saw him resolutely pushing towards radio friendly, pop/r&b material. The result was an artistic and commercial success thanks to Ritenour’s superior artistry and his knack to pick the right partners in crime for his adventure. He enlisted his old session mates David Foster and Harvey Mason to support him in the producer’s seat and brought into the spotlight the fresh, new talent of Eric Tagg. Tagg would play a key role on “Rit” with his co-writing and singing talent displayed on the bulk of the album. Bill Champlin provided killer vocal harmonies while the LA session scene cream of the crop crafted the instrumental parts.
from FRIENDS CAN BE LOVERS
written by Sting
Released in 1993, Dionne Warwick’s “Friends Can Be Lovers” is surely the best record of that decade for the veteran songbird. For this project, the singer’s label, Arista Records, brought in big names like Diane Warren, Lisa Stansfield, Siedah Garrett and Barry J. Eastmond to write and produce on the album.
from JAYE P. MORGAN
written by Skip Scarborough
“Can’t Hide Love” is an extraordinary funk/soul slow jam written by the late Skip Scarborough. A gifted songwriter, Scarborough also gave us timeless gems like “Don’t Ask My Neighbors,” “Love Ballad” and “Lovely Day.” “Can’t Hide Love” was originally included on Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1975 album “Gratitude.”
