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| Juno Award Winning Garrett Mason Band Garrett Mason is a true bluesman at heart. He was raised in Truro, Nova Scotia by his mother Pam, and father, Canadian blues legend Dutch Mason. Garrett's quest to become a musician started at a very early age - his first foray with the guitar came at just four years old, when he found an old guitar with only one string; "I didn't even know what it was, but I knew it was cool". His father taught him how to play "Hit the Road Jack" and the Peter Gunn theme song. "We never did get the rest of the strings put on that guitar". Garrett eventually lost interest and didn't pick up the guitar again until he was 13 years old, when he first heard the music of Albert Collins, BB King and Stevie Ray Vaughan. "When I heard those guys, I knew it was something I had to do". Garrett played his first live show in his hometown of Truro, Nova Scotia on New Year's Day 2000, playing guitar in his father's band, The Dutch Mason Blues Band. Since then, Garrett has been on the road, playing music non stop with great success and in 2004, he stepped out from the supporting role in his father's band to take centre stage writing and performing his own songs. Shortly after, he was approached by the CBC with an offer to produce his debut album. "I'm Just a Man" was released in 2005, and features Garrett's unmistakable voice, suggesting of a performer beyond his years, his aptitude for strong original compositions, and his masterful guitar skills. Garrett's talent and hard work was rewarded that year with the Juno Award for Best Blues Album, Maple Blues Award for New Artist of the Year and Canadian Independent Award for Favourite Blues Artist. Although his dad was forced to stop playing guitar before Garrett was born due to crippling arthritis in his hands, he taught Garrett the structure of the Blues and was an obvious influence on the resulting sound; a blend of musical genres and influences Garrett calls "funk-a-billy-blues-soul". Surrounded by his father's peers, Garrett has had the benefit of hearing and learning from a wide variety of musical talent. The late Rick Jeffery was a great inspiration whether playing together in The Dutch Mason Blues Band or learning from Rick's unique style and performances with his own band. The combination of his father's advice, Jeffery's guidance and his own natural talents provide that special brew for Garrett to become the musical influence he is destined to be. Now 25, Garrett has shared the stage with several of his musical heroes over the past couple of years, including blues legend B.B. King and Junior Watson to name a few. Garrett is currently touring across Canada with his talented band including Mike Farrington on bass and Damien Moynihan on drums, while recording his sophomore album set to be released early 2008. Also, a quick reminder that only a few tickets (@ $30) remain at Tidewater Books for dinner plus the Latin Groove concert at George's that takes place on this coming Saturday (1st of March). Catbird has released 50 additional tickets for the music-only portion of the show ($15)...dinner starts at 6.30 and the music at 9 pm. The response for this has been overwhelming and we urge you to get tickets prior to show to avoid disappointment. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |