Personnel includes: Dave Mason (vocals, guitar); Stevie Wonder, Graham Nash, George Harrison (vocals).
This German edition of former Traffic guitarist Dave Mason's solo debut album, IT'S LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT, features digitally remastered versions of all 10 tracks. The album features notable guest appearances from George Harrison, Graham Nash, and Stevie Wonder.
Personnel: Dave Mason (vocals, guitar, background vocals); Clydie King, Kathleen Saroyan, Maxine Willard Waters (vocals, background vocals); Julia Tillman Waters, Graham Nash, John Batdorf (vocals); Son of Harry (guitar); Stevie Wonder (harmonica); Dennis Morouse, Norma Jean Bell, Steve Madaio (horns); Mark T. Jordan, Mark Wilson Jordan (piano, organ); Dr. Rick Jaeger, Jim Gordon , Jim Keltner (drums); Rocky, Nastyee (congas); Kwasi "Rocky" Dzidzornu (percussion); Malcolm Cecil (programming); Julia Tillman (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Al Schmitt.
Recording information: CBS Studios, San Francisco, CA; Record Plant, L.A; Sunset Sound Recorders, L.A.
Photographer: Lorrie Sullivan.
Unknown Contributor Role: Nastyee.
After the debacle of the unauthorized release of the half-studio/half-live HEADKEEPER, Dave Mason left Blue Thumb Records in a huff and spent a bit of time in legal limbo before rebounding with 1973's Columbia debut IT'S LIKE YOU NEVER LEFT. Mellower than Mason's Blue Thumb work, these 10 songs recall the confessional singer-songwriter work of James Taylor or Joni Mitchell much more than they do the jazz-rock of Traffic's contemporaneous releases, giving that much more reason why Mason didn't participate in the group's '70s reunion.
From the opening "Baby...Please" to the tender title track closing the album, Mason's singing and playing are gently soulful. Importantly, the arrangements and production are nowhere near as sterile and slick as they would become on Mason's later Columbia releases, giving the songs room to breathe.