Harvey Mason


Harvey William Mason is an American jazz drummer, record producer, and member of the band Fourplay. He was the original drummer for Herbie Hancock's band The Headhunters.
WWW harveymason.net𝕏 HarveyMasonSr

Life and career

Mason was born and grew up in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States, and attended Atlantic City High School. He began playing drums at the age of four with the support of his father, a drummer in the army band.
He was the original drummer for The Headhunters, the jazz fusion band led by Herbie Hancock. After leaving Headhunters in the early 1970s, Mason co-founded the jazz quartet Fourplay. They are on an indefinite hiatus as of 2017. Mason has played as a sideman with Bill Withers, George Benson, and Lee Ritenour.
Mason, who attended Berklee for a year and a half in the 1960s, eventually transferred to New England Conservatory where he studied with Vic Firth. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate at Berklee's 2015 Commencement Ceremony for his achievement and influence in music and enduring contributions to American and international culture.

Equipment

Mason endorses Canopus drums, Murat Diril cymbals, Remo drumheads, DW pedals, and Vic Firth drumsticks. Mason has his own Vic Firth Harvey Mason signature drumstick and Vic Firth Harvey Mason Chameleon signature drumstick.
Mason has cited Art Taylor, Art Blakey, Roy Haynes, Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, Elvin Jones, Pistol Allen, Jabo Starks, Tony Williams, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Jimmy Cobb, Joe Chambers, and Billy Higgins as influences.

Discography

As leader

Marching in the Street Earth Mover Funk in a Mason Jar Groovin' You M.V.P Stone Mason Ratamacue Trios With All My Heart Changing Partners
  • ''Chameleon''

As a member

The HeadhuntersSurvival of the Fittest
FourplayFourplay Between the Sheets Elixir The Best of Fourplay 4 Snowbound Yes, Please! Heartfelt Journey X Energy Let's Touch the Sky Esprit de Four
  • ''Silver''

As sideman

With George BensonBreezin' In Flight Weekend in L.A. Collaboration with Earl Klugh Guitar Man
With The Brothers JohnsonLook Out for #1 Right on Time Blam!
With Donald ByrdStreet Lady Stepping into Tomorrow – rec. 1974Places and Spaces Caricatures
With Ron CarterPastels When Skies Are Grey...
With Casiopea4x4 Light and Shadows
With DeBargeThe DeBarges In a Special Way
With Will DowningLove's the Place to Be Moods Invitation Only
With Herbie HancockHead Hunters Man-Child – rec. 1974-1975Sunlight Mr. Hands Mr. Funk – compilation rec. 1972-1988
With Gene HarrisIn a Special Way Tone Tantrum
With Bobbi HumphreyBlacks and Blues Satin Doll Fancy Dancer
With Bob JamesThree – rec. 1975-1976One on One In Hi-Fi Angels of Shanghai – rec. 2004-2005
With Carole KingRhymes & Reasons Fantasy
With Sérgio MendesSergio Mendes Homecooking
With Minnie RipertonMinnie Love Lives Forever
With Lee RitenourGentle Thoughts Captain Fingers Sugar Loaf Express Earth Run Portrait Stolen Moments Wes Bound – rec. 1992Overtime – rec. 2004Six String Theory
With Patrice RushenBefore the Dawn Now – rec. 1983-1984
With Moacir SantosSaudade Carnival of the Spirits
With Diane SchuurBlues for Schuur Midnight
With Stanley TurrentineHave You Ever Seen the Rain Everybody Come On Out Wonderland Do You Have Any Sugar?
With Dionne WarwickDionne Warwick Sings Cole Porter Friends Can Be Lovers
With Grover Washington Jr.Mister Magic – rec. 1974A Secret Place The Best Is Yet to Come
With Bill WithersMaking Music 'Bout Love
With others