Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Contact: jillr@mpressrecords.com
Web: jamesmastro.net
Players: James Mastro, vocals, guitar; Tony Shanahan, bass, vocals; Megan Reilly, vocals acoustic guitar; Dennis Diken, drums, vocals; Chris Robertson, guitar, vocals.
Americana rocker James Mastro wowed his loyal fans at the Lower East Sides’ Mercury Lounge with a setlist largely consisting of songs from his most recent release, Dawn of A New Error.
While many of his songs are drawn from Mastro’s personal experiences, social consciousness and redemption also play a part. We hear that in “River Runs Forever,” four separate and distinct versesjoined by the notion that regret for pastmistakes can be corrected. The river, a metaphor serves as a chance at that redemption: "Hitch your saddle up and ride with a badge and a gun/ Keep changing all the rules/That’s how the West was won/ By Indian takers not Indian givers/River runs forever."On a more intimate subject, “Never Die,” written for his parents who have passed, informs us that those we love live on inside us: "Change/Life will change/always change/always/Round/what goes around/comes around/always…there’s a light that doesn’t dim/…You always thought you would never die/never die."
At the ripe age of 16 Mastro was already playing live at CBGB before becoming one fourth of “The Bongos,” the Hoboken band that that helped launch the music scene centering around Maxwell’s, the iconic Hoboken venue. He went on to form The Health and Happiness Show in the early ‘90s. Since then, Mastro has appeared with acts like Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, Robert Plant, Garland Jeffreys, and many more.
Mastro has mastered his own unique brand of songwriting which he blends seamlessly with his guitar-driven accompaniment. His backing band is a true fit with the overall vibe and musical arrangements. Synergy with guitarist Chris Robinson makes for some great interplay and Robinson’s riffs and solos bring added dimension to every song.
In amuch-appreciated encore, Mastro covered Bob Dylans’ “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down,” a very apt choice for his vocal style.
Striking an emotional balance, Mastro is adept at sharing deeper feelings without pitching into sentimentality. There is directness in his songwriting filled with clever lyrical content and a straightforwardness that rings authentic.
Photos: Mark Shiwolich
