Native Home Music is now accepting preorders for the new album from Stuart Mason. Tradition is a familiar foundation for the veteran singer and multi-instrumentalist from West Virginia, and Tradition is the name of the record, which is set for release on May 26, 2015. On this date, digital preorders will be released and hard copies will be available for purchase online. PREORDER HERE.
Stuart has adapted a bevy of old chestnuts to his fretless tackhead banjo, an instrument that evokes the sound of 19th century America, while updating the vintage repertory with a thoroughly modern aesthetic. He also plays his beloved 1918 Gibson mandola, as well as acoustic guitar on this record. His connections to the folk community helped him build a solid team: co-producer Ryan Davidson on bass fiddle and harmonica, Tony Furtado on slide guitar, Amber Cross on vocals, Gary Arcemont and John Weed on fiddles, Kenny Blackwell on mandolin, and David Brewer on tinwhistle. Stuart and Ryan arranged 15 pieces for this project, ranging from classic standards such as Red Rocking Chair (from Dock Boggs) to more obscure songs such as Kenny Wagoner Surrender (from Ozarks collector Max Hunter), and settings that marry lyrics and melody in new ways.
Stuart Mason is known for his authentic vocals and nimble skill on guitar, mandola, and banjo. The long-time guitarist for Molly’s Revenge and other West Coast folk bands was born in West Virginia, grew up in Ohio and brought the music of the mountains with him when he migrated westward. He has won awards for traditional singing (Goleta Old-Time Fiddler’s Convention), mandola (Topanga Banjo and Fiddle Contest), and songwriting (West Coast Songwriters Association).
Stuart Mason Music 