James Mastro – guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, producer and singer-songwriter extraordinaire – has toured the world dozens of times over as a supportive musician with some of the biggest and most critically acclaimed rock and pop artists ever to grace a stage including Patti Smith, Ian Hunter, Judy Collins, John Cale, The Jayhawks, Alejandro Escovedo, Garland Jeffreys, Jesse Malin, and with Robert Plant as his musical director for a benefit concert for an artist they both admired immensely, Love’s Arthur Lee. From The Beacon Theater to the Shepherd’s Bush Empire (UK), Mastro has roused crowds with brilliant performances channeling the sonic inventiveness of David Bowie and the tastefulness of Mick Ronson. Discussing his new album for MPress Records, Dawn of a New Error (due out in February 21st, 2024), the Americana-rock singer/songwriter, guitarist and producer reveals: “As an underage kid, I used to do whatever it took to see the bands I loved: wait in line for hours for tickets, or sneak into clubs and push my way to the front of the stage. Now, as an overaged kid, I’ve had the best seat in the house playing guitar onstage with many of those same artists that inspired me to do what I’ve been doing all these years. And I still feel like I’m sneaking in!”
Dawn of a New Error finds Mastro firmly in frontman territory, unleashing 11 brand-new, fiery cuts that will make even the most jaded music listener sit up and listen. What makes Mastro all the more impressive – band cred aside – is his arsenal of sounds. Textural and otherworldly one minute and retro-rock the next, each track on his MPress debut is a swoon-worthy, masterclass in crafting timeless hooks, intelligent lyrics, and kick-ass playing that any fan of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, or Wilco will embrace.
Bursting with timeless rock hooks, shout-it-like-you-mean-it vocals, and clever, thoughtful lyrics, it’s a timely album that toes the line between twangy Americana and Art Rock.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “Right Words Wrong Song” (PRE-SAVE), which features inimitable vocal contributions from Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople) and the driving bass of Tony Shanahan (Patti Smith). Brimming with Springsteen-esque vocals and guitar-heavy hooks, the song is a tried and true roots rocker that pulls you into its orbit with big harmonies and plenty of shredding as well as boogie woogie piano to drive it all home. For Maestro, this song marks a bold and exhilarating step into the spotlight, which he grabs with no shortage of bravado. It helps to have Hunter on backing vocals, giving the song that big stage sound that would also be right at home in a bar room.
“Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter par excellence. It’s been a privilege to work with James over the last twenty years and to listen to his latest music. Cheers.” – Ian Hunter
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2 Responses
Hail, Hail James and all he has done to save rock’n’roll! He continues to lead the charge so get on board or get out of the way! The man has stepped up!!
Thanks for sharing this! James Mastro is such an underrated player. His Health & Happiness Show records are some of my favorites of all time.