The year 1970 was a great one for rock music, a topic that we may re-visit later. One of the albums released that year, Alone Together, was the first solo album released by Traffic's former singer-songwriter-lead guitar player, Dave Mason. Not everyone came to know and enjoy Mason's later releases, but on AT - as allmusic acknowledged - "everything (came) together perfectly."
The AT recording sessions brought together a collection of musical all-stars including Leon Russell, Delaney & Bonnie, Rita Coolidge, bassist Carl Radle, and two drummers: Traffic's Jim Capaldi and the highly talented Jim Gordon.
Before examining the eight tracks on this long player, one note is needed. This review is based on the Original Master Recording CD (pictured), which features A to A+ quality sound; and nicely approximates the tone of the original vinyl recording. If you're seeking a bargain, the more recent Hip-O Records/UM re-release provides 85 to 90% of the sound quality at a much lower price.
Only You Know and I Know (4:05) - Mason's Top 20 single opens the album with a lot of energy and excellent sound dynamics enhanced on the CD. Gordon on the high-hats! In tribute, Phil Collins later wrote a song with the same title. Yes, there are hints of Get Back in the beat but it didn't seem so obvious back then.
Can't Stop Worrying, Can't Stop Loving (3:02) - There's a soft and humble quality to this love ballad, which may be why Mason got along so well with George Harrison. It virtually tip-toes to an ending.
Waitin' On You (3:05) - This rocker sounds even more like the Beatles; you half expect to hear Paul shout, "Get back, Loretta!" Leon substitutes for Billy Preston. Great gospel-style background vocals from the three girl singers.
Shouldn't Have Took More Than You Gave (6:00) - It starts like a song left off of Traffic's Dear Mr. Fantasy before speeding up, letting Dave showcase his impressive wah-wah skills. You think that Peter Frampton may have studied this track? Well, do you feel like we do?
World In Changes (4:30) - A track I've always loved but that still manages to completely confuse me. Mason left Traffic because he couldn't get along with Steve Winwood. Yet the featured organ on here is a 100% Winwood knock-off. Was it a back-handed way of saying he could survive without SW? "I've got a lot to learn about you/ You've got a lot to learn about me, too." All in all, this is the best Traffic song never recorded by Traffic.
Sad and Deep as You (3:35) - Leon Russell's gorgeous piano work underlies this ballad that sounds a bit like early Elton John (Your Song), early Rod Stewart (Gasoline Alley), and Cat Stevens (Trouble).
Just A Song (2:59) - "I'm tired of calling you when things go wrong/ Just take my hand and make me feel like I belong/ Just one more day and I will turn from you and run/ Although you're all I do, all I've ever done." A nicely written mid-speed track with fine mandolin work. Maybe Mason was returning the favor as this sounds like a Frampton ballad.
Look at You, Look at Me (7:22) - Needing even more wah-wah firepower, Mason turned to a guitarist who had earlier played with a band named Cream. Some guy named Eric Clapton. "I miss you like I miss the sun/ I need you every day/ As I turn around to look at you/ And you look back no more..." When this track hits its peak, it sounds like Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs had melded with Traffic and Delaney & Bonnie to produce the perfect stage band.
Some of Slowhand's best work closes out the final 2:45 of this classic album. "Wooh!" shouts Dave near the fade... Indeed.
Joseph Arellano
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