Dave Mason

Dave Mason's pop songwriting contributions -- "Feelin' Alright," "Hole in My Shoe," "We Can All Join In" -- brought some crucial leavening to his old band's (Traffic) classical-jazz-blues mix. But when he went solo, Mason turned soft and then got softer. The guitarist's way with a hook is apparent throughout his work, but more telling are his limited vocal range, an overall sense of caution, and l...