It's Like You Never Left: Dave Mason (CBS).

Reviewed by Murray McEwen.

Winwood let his ego loose with Blind Faith, a reconstituted Traffic emerged, two Muscle Shoalers were added, and whoopee, they were a unit again.

Last exit — Dave Mason — somewhere in the USA. Mission — to shake off the vicissitudes of his Traffic association. His struggle back to fame was a slow one: an unfulfilling session with Clapton was followed by an unproductive album with Mama Cass, and then the "Headkeeper" album which Dave has since renounced.

The search for identity has begun — no whitewashed cottages in the Berkshire Downs. Instead, a small club in Los Angeles called The Troubador. The philosophy was: "Hello, I'm Dave Mason, I'm not a superstar but here's my music. Hope you like it."

This album brought a smile to my lips first time around. Mason's voice is plaintive and insistent; the songs smack of immediacy and pressing urgency. On the whole, the melodies are smooth-flowing, undercut with tales of lost loves ("Maybe") and despair ("The Lonely One"). Mason's approach is low-key and nonchalent, but the basic guitar, bass, drums combo has been augmented by horns, harmonica (Stevie Wonder) and congas to give a full delivery.

Punchy brass highlights the stand-out track "Misty Morning Stranger". Mason's guitar trills sound effortless — whether it's acoustic or electric, his arpeggios crisp and ringing. I'll bet he could play all night on a stage.

Dave Mason is a hole-in-the-wall boy. The guy's so humble you just know it's all genuine.

Backing musicians like Keltner, Radle, Nash and Reeves give you some idea of the direction he's heading in.

"If You've Got Love" is George Harrison's version of "If Not For You" to a tee. There's nothing offensive here — in fact you'll probably like a few of the tracks.

The message is plain — relax; take your shirt off. Happily, Mason's no paranoid.

"Then you showed myself to me

And I found I needn't be

Another lonely one."

The headkeeper is back, at peace with the world, now, perhaps. It's like you never left, Dave!