PLAIN FOLK

MASON BUILDS A FOLK CAREER BRICK BY BRICK

By Steve Srubowich

There are numerous talented musicians in the Medicine Hat area and one emerging folk artist is Ron Mason.

Originally from Paris, Ontario (near Wayne Gretzky’s hometown of Brantford), this farrier moved west in 1992 and was transformed into a teacher five years later.

The CAPE School teacher is fond of playing music to offer lessons and insights to life.

Mason cites his parents as primary inspiration for playing music.

"They had (music) in the house a lot. My parents knew a lot of Celtic music. My dad is a good fiddler and my mom was a great piano player."

His uncle Lenny Mason, a 'fantastic guitar player' , also piqued his interest. Lenny even released a record of folk and traditional songs in the mid-70s.

While in Alberta two experiences have embellished his musical journey, he said.

Jamming with Calgary musicians like Mike Stack, Tim Leacock, Jane Hawley and Steve Pineo and teaching at an outdoor school west of Cowtown called YMCA Camp Chief Hector opened his eyes to diversity and youth culture.

Mason would love to release a batch of his own self-penned songs someday down the road.

"Most of the songs I’ve written have come in the last year and a half. My wife (Peggy) bought me a guitar for our 10th anniversary and I’ve probably written 15 to 20 songs since then. They’re just spilling out of me," he said, adding he has a 10-song demo.

“They’re from personal experience, my observations of the human condition

He hopes his debut record will be ready within a year.

Playing solo at a recent concert Mason showcased music which has left an indelible mark on his style.

Within a set of 10 songs he skillfully recreated Stan Rogers’ 45 Years, John McCutcheon’s Christmas In The Trenches, Bob Marley’s Redemption Song and Bruce Cockburn’s Mighty Trucks of Midnight. Added to the mix were other songs by Del Shannon, Lyle Lovett and Doc Watson.

The song selection perfectly illustrated his own diverse musical tastes. Mason is also considering making a record of children’s music to show "the joys and trials" in young people’s lives.

He understands why folk music attracts him.

“Its variety and it’s hard to define. Folk music is music of the people. It’s all in your perspective. You strip down the best rock songs and they become folk songs. It (folk) has parts of everything in it,” he said.

He said the best folk songs are “timeless.” He personally enjoys Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Stan Rogers and Bob Marley.

Mason also enjoys is playing with or supporting other musicians. He looks forward to future jam sessions and concerts with local musicians.