If and when you’re in L.A. and need a dose of some FUNK, check out The Mason Affair. These guys have been compared to the likes of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Aloe Blacc, Ozomatli, Parliament/Funkadelic and Galactic. For me they’re a great fusion band of FUNK and Jazz, bringing flavor on their songs “All Night”, “I Can Tell You” and “Eyes On Fire.”
Members of the band include Jay Logan on guitar, Dave Celia on drums, Neil Patton playing bass, Sam Gendler stroking keyboards, James Becaria blowin’ trumpet, Dan Gonda slaying the sax, Tony Rinaldi on trombone and Mike Mason pulls double duty on guitar and lead vocals. Mason’s raspy vocals are reminiscent of Rob Parissi, the lead vocalist and guitar player from the band Wild Cherry, but his delivery is clearly the influence of James Brown.
Here’s an excerpt from the band’s bio… “Founded in early 2011 by Mike Mason, the MASON AFFAIR formed piece by piece through jam sessions with the most talented musicians around bringing friends old and new together with a unique blend of musical influences and backgrounds. Cramming a full rhythm and horn section into a tiny studio built to hold half as many people forced The MASON AFFAIR to truly connect with each other and dive deep into their musical souls, crafting many original songs and throwing down their own gritty versions of classic jams by The Meters, Dr. John, Sly and the Family Stone, and Jimi Hendrix. Influenced by legendary raw funk powerhouses like Dyke and the Blazers, and James Brown the MASON AFFAIR pay tribute to their influences by giving a modern touch to vintage funk and soul.”
The Mason Affair has two shows coming up at the moment. The first is on May 24th at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica; and the second is on June 22nd at The Good Bar in Ventura, California. For more on The Mason Affair, log on at: http://www.reverbnation.com/themasonaffair
in support of all those in support of the Eternal Love of FUNK
c-dub
