The Harvey Mason Interview

When I began to interview my heroes in jazz I started my search in the time period I loved most, the early 1970s. The guys I have pursued; Martino, Ndugu, Upchurch and Maupin are individuals who were already established but hit their groove in the early seventies. They had their role models, Lloyd Price, Hampton Hawes, Eric Gale and Horace Silver but mat this point there was a clear passing of the torch. It was time for a youth movement. And this youth movement coincided with a cross current of musical blending, Afro awareness and a belief that they were all in it together.I give a lengthy intro because my guest deserves it. He has received multiple musical degrees from the Berkeley school of music and the New England Conservatory and wound up honing his chops in the studio doing everything from jingles to Christian rock. His comfortability and ease paved the way for him to become one of "the" session drummers from the early seventies working with Patrice Rushen, herbie Hancock, johnny Hammond smith, Donald Byrd, Carole King, Seals and Crofts and Earth Wind and Fire. He made his own albums on Arista and also is an underrated composer which I look forward to talking about with him. He is someone who has left a serious legacy and his affect will have a positive impact on future generations of percussionists. Harvey Mason welcome.....