James Mastro – Dawn Of A New Error (Mpress Records – MP5601-1, 2024)
From the “I should have gotten to this earlier, but let’s address it before the end of the year because it’s an enjoyable record” Dept. comes longtime Ian Hunter sideman (among many other musical ventures; including a leading role in The Bongos) James Mastro and his solo release of 2024 titled, Dawn of a New Error.
It’s consistently interesting hearing the solo output of artists who spend a great deal of their time supporting the sound of others; you can catch where a bit of this and a smidge of that may have rubbed in; or off. Mastro’s got all of that, but there’s still that singular Joisey presentation that never fails to produce a hearty helping of weekday afternoon color TV drama and backstreet swagger broadcast in UHF; a wet pavement operetta.
There’s edge (“Right Words, Wrong Song” and the galloping “Three Words”) but mostly you’ll find carefully crafted soul-searching - nearly desperate - ballads and mid-tempo tracks (achingly and breakingly “Everywhere”). There’s excellent sound on this pressing. The album was produced by Tony Shanahan, best known for his work with Patti Smith and many others. Tony’s contributions to the record are evident and take Mastro’s compositions to the next level. Mixed by James Frazee and mastered by Greg Calbi.
Vocals, Guitar [All Guitars], Mandolin – James Mastro
Bass Guitar, Baritone Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals – Tony Shanahan
Engineer – James Frazee (tracks: 1-9, 11)
Mastered By – Greg Calbi
Mixed By – James Frazee
Producer – Tony Shanahan
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