Let It Flow

This underestimated 1977 gem from Dave Mason’s Columbia Records era fluctuates between subtle heart tugs and knockout songsmithing, and it sometimes recalls his days in Traffic. Tinkling pianos, strings, acoustic guitars, and gently melancholic lyrics abound. “Let It Go, Let It Flow” and “We Just Disagree” (Mason’s biggest hit, written by his guitarist Jim Krueger) are classic ’70s radio rock poppers: perfectly executed, arranged and produced, and inescapable. The faraway sax, ripping organ, and dramatic strings make “Spend Your Life with Me” the true centerpiece here, while “Takin’ the Time to Find” rocks a bit of Doobie Brothers white-boy funk. “So High (Rock Me Baby and Roll Me Away)” kills with an indisputably catchy chorus, and “Then It’s Alright” offers up guitar hooks, harmonies, and a bit of social protest (like an outtake from Traffic’s Mr. Fantasy). “Seasons,” “Mystic Traveler” (dig the theremin), and “What Do We Got Here” (dig the flute) are sweet amalgams of ’60s California canyon groove and mid-'70s balladry, two musical subgenres that Mason completely mastered.