Dave Mason/Tokyo,Japan 5.18.1977

Dave Mason’s first visit to Japan was in 1977, when he was at the height of his popularity, and the performances were a huge success every day. However, few items and sound sources were unearthed, leaving enthusiasts feeling lonely. Meanwhile, in the 21st century, a masterpiece from a nostalgic label, “LIVE AND REHEARSAL 1977”, was unearthed. It was recorded by the staff of a record company, and the surprising content included not only the live performance but also the rehearsal. As for the live performance, the stage on May 17, the first day of the first performance in Japan, was recorded, but it was a pity that the beginning and end of the live performance were not recorded. Nevertheless, it was a release that was highly praised by enthusiasts as a valuable sound source of Mason’s first visit to Japan, and a new audience recording of the first performance in Japan since then has finally been unearthed! The valuable sound source that enthusiasts around the world will be paying attention to is the stage on May 18, the second day of the performance in Japan. The person who made this recording was Taper, the man behind the masterpiece “TOKYO 1978,” which finally unearthed Billy Joel’s first performance in Japan, which had been shrouded in mystery for many years. The mono cassette recording is truly a vintage audience. Compared to the actual performance part of “LIVE AND REHEARSAL 1977,” the sound image feels a little distant, but it is still very easy to listen to. After all, “LIVE AND~” was the first day, while this time the stage on the second day, which was the first appearance, is completely recorded, which is a very high point. In the first place, the timing was perfect, as the performance in Japan was realized one month after the release of the smash hit album “Flowing As It Goes.” Therefore, “We Just Disagree,” which later became Mason’s signature song, was performed as a newly released song, and it was refreshing to finish the performance without much excitement. Since Mason was at the height of his popularity in the United States at the time, conversations with Americans living in Japan were flying around Taper, but even they had a bland reaction to the song. Rather, they didn’t make too much noise, which also helped make it easier to listen to. And the ironclad performance by the same members as the hit live album “Jounen” was flawless, and the high-quality performance was easily played between “Goin’ Down Slow” where the late Mike Finnigan takes the lead vocals, and the world of that live album was reproduced exactly as it was, so I just held my breath. The next song, “Look at You, Look at Me”, was a 15-minute enthusiastic performance. It was typical of Mason at the peak of his career to keep us entertained without getting bored. In “LIVE AND REHEARSAL 1977”, the recording of this song ended due to its length, but this time the new recording, which was recorded well until the end of the live performance, is very valuable. And although it was his first live performance in Japan, the second day was the only one where he gave us a more relaxed stage after the previous day. With a vintage sound quality, this is an extremely valuable first recording that allows you to enjoy the nostalgic Mason’s first visit to Japan to your heart’s content! Live at Nakano Sunplaza, Tokyo, Japan 18th May 1977 TRULY AMAZING/PERFECT SOUND(from Original Masters) Disc 1 (42:13) 1. Intro 2. Every Woman 3. Take It to the Limit 4. Give Me a Reason Why 5. We Just Disagree 6. Can’t Stop Worrying, Can’t Stop Loving 7. World in Changes 8. Pearly Queen 9. Show Me Some Affect ion 10. Headkeeper Disc 2 (78:31) 1. Lucille 2. Goin’ Down Slow 3. Look at You Look at Me 4. Takin’ the Time to Find 5. Let It Go, Let It Flow 6. Feelin’ Alright 7. All Along the Watchtower 8. Gimme Some Lovin’ 9. Bring It On Home to Me 10. Only You Know & I Know Dave Mason – guitar, vocal Jim Krueger – guitar, vocal Mike Finnigan – keyboards Gerald Johnson – bass Rick Jaeger – drums