It’s around here somewhere
I'm thinking about Dave Mason’s long-ago album with Cass Elliot
When I saw social media posts two weeks ago about the death of Dave Mason, one of my rock music heroes, I fondly remembered an album from 55 years ago.
“Walk to the Point,” “Something to Make You Happy” and “Too Much Truth, Too Much Love” are among the 10 songs on “Dave Mason & Cass Elliot,” a folk-rock favorite of mine released in 1971 and reissued in 2008 and 2019.
I’ve owned the album since it came out—or at least I think I still do. I feel compelled to track it down in my vast record collection. It’s the only collaboration between the two artists.
“Following the success of ‘Alone Together,’ his solo debut, Mr. Mason recorded an adventurous album with his friend Cass Elliot, formerly of the Mamas & the Papas,” Jim Farber wrote in The New York Times obituary of Mason.
The obit has received more than 300 NYT reader comments.
One reader wrote: “The record with Cass Elliott has always been one of my favourites since I bought it out of a cutout bin about 50 years ago! It is essential listening for anyone who is a fan of either of these artists.”
Another added: “Hopefully a proper re-issue will be done of the album with Mama Cass!”
Dave Mason died on April 19. He was 79. Cass Elliot died in 1974. She was 32.
Postscript
Two days ago, I found the album buried in the back of one of my seven crates. To mark the occasion, I pulled the record from its sleeve to take iPhone pictures of Side 1 and Side 2 to share here.
So “Dave Mason & Cass Elliot” was there all along.
Now, after what seems like decades since I last heard the album, it’s time to play it again and again.
"Walk To The Point" is a lucious duet which highlights both Dave and Cass at their best.
Like alot of Mason's work it bristles with unique personality and Cass's truly magnificent voice deserves far more respect than it's usually given.
Their sole album is ,overall, a solid B in content, but an A+ in inspiration. Too bad it remains ,more or less, a one off obscure oddity.
John, I remember Monday Monday! It's nice to have memories as you do. I'm sorry to hear one of your favorites has died.