Harvey Mason
Harvey Mason is an acclaimed American jazz drummer, producer, and composer known for his versatile session work and founding role in the smooth jazz supergroup Fourplay. Born on February 22, 1947, in Atlantic City, New Jersey, he developed a passion for drumming early, practicing on a pad and joining school bands by eighth grade.
Mason honed his skills at Atlantic City High School, studying piano and leading a jazz trio, before gigging with pianist James Booker. He attended Berklee College of Music for a year and a half, studying under Alan Dawson, then transferred to the New England Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship, earning a B.A. in Education and Performance in 1970.
After graduation, Mason toured with Errol Garner and George Shearing, then relocated to Los Angeles, working percussion alongside Emil Richards and Larry Bunker. His breakthrough came in 1972 on Donald Byrd's Black Byrd, followed by joining Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, where his "Mase Magic" elevated tracks.
Mason signed with Arista in 1976, releasing albums like Funk in a Mason Jar (1977) and earning five Grammy nominations. He produced Seawind, Midnight Star's debut, and Lee Ritenour's hit "Is It You," while releasing hits like "Groovin' You" in 1979.
In 1986, Mason co-founded Fourplay with Bob James, Nathan East, and Lee Ritenour (later Larry Carlton), topping Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart for 34 weeks with their debut and earning platinum status, gold albums, and Grammy nods. Later highlights include the 2004 trio album With All My Heart, featuring pianists like Hank Jones, which won Japan's Silver Disc Award.
Funk In A Mason Jar
A2 Till You Take My Love (David Foster, Harvey Mason 3:30)
A3 Space Cadets (Dave Grusin, Harvey Mason, Louis Johnson, Ray Parker 3:32)
A4 Freedom Either Way (Harvey Mason, S. Mason 3:30)
A5 Funk In A Mason Jar (Harvey Mason 1:50
B1 What's Going On? (Alfred Cleveland, Marvin Gaye, Renaldo Benson 8:23)
B2 Set It Free (Eva Ein, Kenny Loggins 5:49
B3 Phantazia (Dave Grusin 4:25)
B4 Liquid (Harvey Mason 4:37)
Label: Arista – AB 4157
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: Jazz, Funk / Soul
Style: Soul-Jazz, Smooth Jazz, Jazz-Funk
Funk in a Mason Jar is a 1977 jazz-funk album by drummer and composer Harvey Mason. The album is known for its blend of funk, disco, and soul, and it features Mason's original compositions alongside a notable, extended instrumental rendition of Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" with George Benson on guitar. The album's commercial success was significant, reaching the Top 40 on the R&B charts and the Top 10 on the jazz charts.
The album features a wide array of acclaimed guest musicians, including members of Earth, Wind & Fire, Tower of Power, and other prominent session players.
The album marked a commercial breakthrough for Mason, solidifying his reputation as a skilled composer and producer in addition to being a renowned drummer. It is considered a classic of the 1970s jazz-funk era.