Dave Mason / CA, USA 12.31.1975 Complete FM Broadcast Edition

As I mentioned in my review of the simultaneously released “HEMPSTEAD 1975 FM REEL MASTER,” Mason made the most of live radio broadcasts in 1975, even having his New Year’s Eve concert broadcast. This is a fantastic stereo soundboard recording, and like Hempstead, you can fully enjoy the raw and unpolished texture unique to radio broadcasts. Unlike Hempstead, which was before the release of the album “SPLIT COCONUT,” this broadcast took place after its release. Moreover, Mike Finnegan returned to keyboards, completing the golden “CERTIFIED LIVE” formation. This is a record of the stage during the period when the foundation for their ascent to such heights was laid. Coinciding with all these factors, the conditions were ideal, as it was New Year’s Eve, and with the added festive element of the new year marking the start of America’s 200th anniversary, this is an outstanding broadcast where you can enjoy an incredibly high-energy live performance in the best possible stereo soundboard recording. Furthermore, the setlist is completely different from both “CERTIFIED LIVE” and the simultaneously released “HEMPSTEAD 1975 FM REEL MASTER.” Surprisingly, this live performance featured more early repertoire than the recently released album “SPLIT COCONUT,” which resulted in an explosive and exciting show. In particular, “Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave” from their first album “ALONE TOGETHER” is a fantastic and captivating track that can’t be heard on either album, and the performance is superb. Yet, “Every Woman” is still arranged with a full band, which is a departure from “CERTIFIED LIVE.” In other words, while Finnegan had joined and they were moving towards the “CERTIFIED LIVE” style, there are still laid-back performances that haven’t quite reached that level of refinement. Rather, this radio broadcast is a superb bridge between the album and Hemstead’s radio broadcasts. Finnegan’s distinctive organ playing adds a wonderful touch throughout, a testament to the stereo soundboard recording’s quality. This truly feels like a preview of a glorious live album. Another stereo soundboard album from 1975 captures a high-energy live performance on New Year’s Eve, a truly happy occasion, in the best possible sound quality. The stark contrast in atmosphere with the Hemstead album released at the same time in July is a testament to their peak period! Cow Palace, Daly City, CA, USA 31st December 1975 STEREO SBD Disc:1 (57:08) 1. DJ Intro 2. Feelin’ Alright 3. Watitin’ On You 4. Split Coconut 5. Show Me Some Affection 6. World In Changes 7. Every Woman 8. Look At You, Look At Me 9. Headkeeper Disc:2 (35:12) 1. Shouldn’t Have Took More Than You Gave 2. All Along The Watchtower 3. Gimmee Some Lovin’ 4. Bring It On Home To Me 5. Only You Know And I Know 6. DJ Outro Dave Mason – Guitar & Vocal Mike Finnigan – Keyboards Gerald Johnson – Bass Jim Krueger – Guitar Rick Jaeger – Drum STEREO SOUNDBOARD RECORDING