Only You Know and I Know

by Dave Mason, Chris Epting

A co-founder of the legendary band Traffic, Dave Mason’s musical path started strong and only grew more significant over time. In addition to his renowned work as a revered guitar player and singer-songwriter (who penned “Feelin’ Alright,” one of rock’s most-covered anthems, when he was only 21), Mason has appeared on some of the most acclaimed recordings in music history, including The Spencer Davis Group’s “Gimme Some Lovin,’” George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass album, The Rolling Stones’ “Street Fighting Mam” and close friend Jimi Hendrix’s classic “All Along the Watchtower.” After leaving Traffic, Dave’s popularity exploded with the release of his debut solo album, Alone Together, igniting one of the most successful careers of the 1970s—marked by sell-out performances at Madison Square Garden and requests from artists such as Paul McCartney, who recruited Dave to play guitar on Wings’ #1 hit “Listen to What the Man Said.”

But the triumphs didn’t come without hurdles. By the mid-1970s, cocaine and a seemingly endless touring schedule began to take their toll. Workmanlike in his dedication, however, the determined craftsman never gave up. Here, for the first time, Dave shares some of the great untold tales in rock and roll—his complicated relationship with Steve Winwood, his wild legal episodes with record companies, his tenure in Fleetwood Mac, his battle with addiction and the loss of a child, and his eventual induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He dives deep on the music, from “World in Changes” to “We Just Disagree,” and shares inside stories featuring a cast of characters that includes Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Cass Elliot, Delaney and Bonnie, Eric Clapton, and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young.

Dave Mason’s reputation as a “quiet giant” has long been one of music’s great mysteries. Now, one of rock’s true heroes finally shares his colorful, unique, and ultimately triumphant journey through a life in music.

Genres: Memoir

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2023

Reviews

[Chrissie Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SO sad on the day I read that Dave Mason had passed away in April, just a month ago...gone at 79 but after all that high livin' in the rocking 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, etc. it was a miracle he was an absolute star in the world of music (and all that came with it) for so long. We grew up together...he in England, me in the US a fan of all things British rock 'n roll. Traffic! "Dear Mr. Fantasy" was such an anthem for us all. This book is amazing. Took me right back in time and right into his life. I've still got the songs humming through my passages of time and it makes me happy. I was so happy with all the photographs included in this book--the usual is one or two sections of snapshots but the one section of color photos was accompanied by black & whites on almost every page and I just loved that! It was nice knowing Dave slipped away while in his sleep...a calm ending, shall we say, to a life that was so full of music and his fellow artists and I loved how he was so star-stuck meeting and working with those who filled his life and ours too with the sounds and color of those times. RIP Dave Mason and thank you for all you gave.

[Mme Forte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a straight-up timeline of Dave Mason's career. If you're looking for dirt or gossip or even personal revelations, this is not the rock memoir for you.

Dave Mason isn't exactly a household word these days. I'd bet that if people know him at all, it's from "We Just Disagree," a song that came out in 1977 and that he didn't even write.

But he's a sort of rock 'n' roll Zelig, as a founding member of Traffic, a touring musician for almost 60 years, and having played on recordings or on stages with any number of better-known artists.

You don't get much reflection or detail here, but there's mostly enough name-dropping (but not in a bad way!) to keep a reader interested. Mason comes across as kind of a regular guy -- with champagne taste, as he admits -- who's still shocked that he gets paid to do what he loves.

[Karyn Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This memoir is full of information and maybe some gossip about this long-time rock star and his many groups/collaborations including Traffic. The numerous collaborations he had over the years with notables like Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Graham Nash, and Paul (yes that Paul) were so fun to read about. It is amazing how some of these musicians who started performing in the 60s managed to live this long and continue to be creative and productive in music and other arenas. Dave Mason continues to perform (we saw him last month) and with his Traffic Jam tour, he continues to delight with new and old songs as well as showcasing his awesome guitar and song lyrics.

[Corine H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only You Know and I Know” is a quietly classic song—thoughtful, melodic, and emotionally grounded. It stands as a highlight of Dave Mason’s solo career and a perfect example of how simplicity, when paired with honesty, can be far more powerful than spectacle.

[Greg Haskins · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the history of rock thru someone's eyes that lived it. lots of interesting people and stories.