One of the premier reissue labels in England today, BGO Records released a double CD by Traffic founder Dave Mason back in the early 2000’s. That first Dave Mason reissue on BGO was followed in 2008 by the 18 track, 2 on 1 CD remaster of Dave Mason / Split Coconut. Released months after Dave’s first album for Columbia, entitled It’s Like You Never Left, the early ‘75 release of Dave Mason sounds better and fresher today than it did back in 1974. Bolstered by a fresh batch of Mason originals, the ‘74 Dave Mason album features highlights such as rocking Mason covers of “All Along The Watchtower”—a track he co-produced and recorded with Jimi Hendrix on 1968's Electric Ladyland—and Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home To Me.” Joining Mason’s self-titled second Columbia album on BGO’s two-fer CD is late 1975’s Split Coconut album. Aside from a cover of Buddy Holly’s “Crying, Waiting, Hoping” the album boasts eight Mason originals including the title track. Extensive 2008 liner notes by John Tobler provide extensive insight into Mason’s musical chronology during and after Traffic as well as bringing the Dave Mason story nearly up to date. As Tobler correctly brings to light, long time fans are hoping that BGO Records brings out more vintage Mason recordings that are just crying to be heard once again. www.BGO-Records.com

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