b. Harvey William Mason Jr., 22nd February 1947, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A.
Harvey Mason is considered one of the finest (and most in demand) drummers on the soul and jazz scene today.
Harvey attended Berklee and graduated from the New England Conservatory.
He worked for four months with Erroll Garner in 1970 and a year with George Shearing from 1970-71.
Soon after leaving Shearing, Mason moved to Los Angeles and quickly became established in the studio's, working in films and television.
In 1975, his work with Herbie Hancock's band, the Headhunters, led to him signing to Arista Records as a solo artist in 1975.
Through Herbie's influence Harvey's music became a fusion of jazz and funk, greatly appealing to the U.K. 'jazz funk' scene of the mid-late 70's.
His albums included 'Marching In The Street' (1975), 'Earth Mover' (1976), 'Funk In A Mason Jar' (1977), including 'Till You Take My Love' and 'What's Going On', 'Groovin' You' (1979) and 'M.V.P.' (1980), including 'How Does It Feel'.
His albums by this time had progressed from instrumental fusion to vocal orientated dance music.
In 1998, Mason paid tribute to Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in some local Los Angeles club gigs.
Harvey's two albums as a leader (commercial efforts for Arista in 1975 and 1981) feature fellow studio veterans.
As a songwriter and / or producer he worked with artists including Shirley Brown ('I Need Somebody To Love Me'), Locksmith ('Unlock The Funk'), Seawind ('He Loves You' and two albums), and Esther Phillips.
Harvey has recorded drums with numerous artists including Johnny Hammond ('Gears'), Bob James ('Three'), Dave Grusin ('Mountain Dance'), Rockie Robbins ('Time To Think'), George Benson, the late Grover Washington, Aretha Franklin, Raul de Souza, Sadao Watanabe, Debarge, Bobbi Humphrey, Carmen McCrae, Patrice Rushen, the late Charles Earland, Donald Byrd, Mark Soskin ('Walk Tall'), Patti Austin ('Love Is Gonna Getcha') and Jean Carne.
Albums:
Marching In The Streets (Arista Records 1975)
Earthmover (Arista Records 1976)
Funk In A Mason Jar (Arista Records 1977)
Groovin' You (Arista Records 1979)
M.V.P. (Arista Records 1980)
World Class (Arista Records 1981)
Stone Mason (Alta Records 1982)
Ratamacue (Atlantic Records 1995)
