Mason is the man. I always feel so good after watching/listening to him play. He’s the guitarist i ALWAYS pay attention to as far as pedals go. I play very different music than him, but he inspires me so much. What a creative force.
Totally agree. I'm a Classical guitarist, loved this all the way around. We love music man..learning from everyone. These guys are awesome. Happy I found this.
I have to agree with a lot of the comments on the video. It's an eye opener! Great playing and music! Mason is an amazing player and down to earth guy! Wish I could have seen this years ago!! Changes some of my views on music!! Thanks Tim and Mason!!
Mason was totally off my radar-wow, what I've been missing! Thanks for bringing him to my attention, Tim. The piece in the chapter "Mason Plays 5" was gorgeous-I'd love to see the whole piece! -Tom
That was your studio, right Tim? May we assume most of those instruments were yours? If so, a video on your current collection would be exceptionally interesting, especially for those of us afflicted with perpetual GAS who must suffer the yearning in closeted silence. Such wonderful eye candy! Food for thought..?
Just cos a pedal has lots of knobs doesn't mean they need to be twiddled constantly. Tons of options, but one best one. I have tweaked most of my pedals so I like em where they are, and have not touched them since.
Mason has such a great feel for whatever he’s playing. His pocket, dynamics, sonic manipulation of his instrument to produce the right feeling. Just great to hear you two discussing the hired six-string slinger joys and pitfalls of the biz. Perfect Sunday day off video. Thank you Tim and Mason!
It's always an invaluable time to see interviews and wisdom of those who are very experienced in the music industry. So much advice and knowledge to be had.
You do need crazy fast chops to be a pro. I guarantee this guy can play as fast as he needs to. A pro guitar player needs to be able to play anything they are asked to play
That opening piece from Mason and it's pocket are his bonafides as a disciple of Jerry Reed. There are many great fingerstyle guitarists out there, but few had the funk and the grease Jerry did. Tommy Emmanuel is one and Mason is another.
The big lesson I took from this video is that the session guys make every note count. I don't think it's a stretch to say that every single note Mason played on this video was impactful. I found myself hanging on every one, which as I say, was my take away here. Thank you Tim, and I signed up for the masterclass.
Just love the interview! Tim is such a giant in the music industry and a really genuine person. He did a great job interviewing another great player and real person!
Can anyone tell me what Gretsch guitar Mason is holding during much of the interview? I think it may be a player model yet, I am unsure. This was a great video. What a wonderful way to end this beautiful Spring weekend.
Mason Stoops is phenomenal. Seems like Rhythm and tasty solos seem to be the most sought after session players. Imo. Theres a lot of gun slingers out there, but to play with such feel and taste seems harder to come by. Just curious. Who is the still living session player who has been on the most records? Im thinking either Lukather or Carlton.
Thank you for sharing your passion and for being such a consummate performer. recently heard a review of The Kerry Kenny Band - Pining Time. Title track -yes, that’s a wickedly shredding violin - thanks for your inspiring me to level up my studio and live A-game..I’m pleased with the performances, and now am validated A GAIN. I Used a volume pedal on the majority of my playin on that album, am it is a key to sitting right in the mix…for me..Near the end of the signal chain, followed by at least one delay.. nice hearing this conversation. This guy is amazing, both of you so humble. A real treasure. Ring the bell!
What a great lesson on navigating a career with integrity. This is a topic unto itself. Way too little of this kind of information out there yet it is perhaps the most important. Relationships and cultivating them are key, especially in creative disciplines.
Hey Tim, you mention lessons that mirror Mason’s concepts. Can you let us know which one ? Thanks for offering the master class. It’s been well worth every penny. 🎸
Great episode, love Mason’s vibe. I wondered about Jackson’s approach to finding lead guitarists. They all Burn on the Doctor My Eyes solo. Now I know; it’s part of the audition. That solo was turned into a lap guitar showcase in Jackson’s 1970s concerts by David Lindley of course (rip). I saw David play it several times back then and more recently Mark Goldenberg on a 2010 tour that reunited David and Jackson. So Mark’s playing the DME solo on a tele while David watched. No pressure lol (Mark was great). Thanks for putting Mason on our radar.
It’s a beautiful thing to see a studio icon like Tim pass on his knowledge to the younger player. Mason is amazing and gives hope that guitar-based music is still alive and well.
I'm out of touch with new players for the most part and am glad to have been expos4ed to Mason. There's only a few players you hear for the first time where immediately you think, "this guy just has *that*".
The difference between a true pro and just a good player (and this applies to all musicians, writers, freelance artists, designers) is the pro can sound distinctive within any context and style and the good player does one thing very well in a single flavor situation. You two guys embody the true pro's.
That organ pad with the midi guitar though, sounded great and a big little extra money maker. Don’t worry about hiring a keyboard guy for that, I’ve got you
You have to feel comfortable with your sound is exactly why we fiddle endlessly with our sound. It's the guy playing live who is constantly going to his amp making tiny adjustments that no one can tell had made a difference at all! Find a nice setting and leave it alone!! It doesn't matter a single bit if you put a tiny bit of bass or treble in to change the sound. People listening won't know the difference, nor will they care!! There was an Alex Leifson interview where Neil Peart told Alex he spent the last 6 months learning a new drumming technique he was excited about that improved his playing immensely. He demonstrated it to Alex, and Alex said he could tell no difference at all in Neils playing. It's in our heads and can drive us crazy trying for that "perfect" sound that matters to no one but us. Find a nice tone and set it and forget it. It will be fine.
Thank you, Tim. I love your channel, though i wasn't aware of Mason before today, but his tone and feel are impressive. Seems like a nice guy too. I love that piece on the red Jazzmaster at 10 minutes in, the P90's sound beautiful and warm..(anyone know what that tune is?) 👏👏👏
