He’s composed and written songs recorded by artists ranging from Nancy Wilson , Mary J. Blige, Notorius Big and T.I.
As a producer, he introduced the world to the Hawaii-based Christian jazz septet Seawind, which inadvertently brought one of the most in-demand horn arrangers (Jerry Hey) and horn sections (the Seawind horns) to Los Angeles and promptly introduced them to Quincy Jones as the tightest and most creative horn section he’d ever heard. (Quincy obviously agreed) He also produced the debut album by Midnight Star (The Beginning), inaugurating what would become one of the ‘80s most influential techno-funk groups, Lee Ritenour’s largest selling hit, “Is it You” and Dionne Warwick (Fragile).
Harvey is a founding member of the contemporary jazz “super group”ƒOURPLAY , where he flexes his writing, playing, arranging and production skills with partners Bob James, Nathan East and Chuck Loeb (the latter of whom replaced Larry Carlton who had replaced original member Lee Ritenour). ƒOURPLAY’s debut album sat atop Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz chart for thirty-four weeks, leading to a platinum album, three subsequent gold discs, a Soul Train Music Award and 10 Grammy nominations, to date.
The roots of Harvey Mason’s rhythm are as ingrained as DNA. Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey on February 22, 1947, he reveled in the rhythms of life as they manifested themselves all around him. He began taking formal drum lessons at age 7, playing in school bands and finally buying his first drum set at the age of 16. Harvey continued his musical education first at the Berklee School of Music, then on full scholarship to the New England Conservatory of Music, studying performance, composing, arranging, percussion and mallets. He received immeasurable preparation for orchestral work from the legendary Vic Firth, tympanist with the Boston Symphony. During his time in Boston, he also put in overtime at Triple A Studios recording everything from jingles to religious albums, unpredictable and diversified situations that custom molded him for the career of a top-flight session musician. Before he knew it, Harvey Mason was working as many as three studio sessions a day.
Harvey swiftly became a force to be reckoned with in the world of percussion and drums. From simple figures on a marimba that contributed infinitely to the appeal of The Sylvers’ “Fools Paradise” and “Misdemeanor,” Earth Wind and Fire’s “That’s The Way of The World” and some of the most incredibly sensitive playing ever heard on radio backing the late Minnie Riperton on “Memory Lane” and “Here We Go,” to an intricate snare drum-only part on Chick Corea’s “Tweedle Dee” (from his acclaimed concept album, The Mad Hatter), Harvey honed a knack for doing more than just nailing a written part. He added that “Mase Magic” that lifted a piece of music from ordinary to extraordinary.
Harvey Mason's son Harvey Mason Jr. formed the Underdogs production team with Damon Thomas and has produced tracks for artists including Fantasia Barrino, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Luther Vandross.
Without A Song
Harvey Mason Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Without a song the road would never bend
When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend
Without a song
That field of corn would never see a plow
That field of corn would be deserted now
A man is born but he's no good no-how
I got my troubles and woe but sure as I know that Jordan will roll
I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my soul
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
I only know there ain't no love at all
Without a song!!
The song "Without A Song" by Harvey Mason, as the title suggests, speaks about how a song is an integral part of everyone's life. The lyrics of the song emphasize the importance of music in our life, saying that without a song, the day would never end and the road would never bend. It is the power of music that makes the journey of life worth living even in the most difficult times. When things go wrong, the song becomes the sole friend of a person as it can stir one's emotions and lift them up.
The second stanza goes on to express how music is the soul of nature, and it would be deserted without a song. It is said that a man is born with a deep connection with music, and without it, he is no good no matter how rich, powerful or influential he may be. Through these lines, the song highlights how everyone, irrespective of their social standing, has an emotional connection with music. Finally, the lyrics convey the idea that life would be incomplete without a song. It is what makes people resilient in the face of adversity and makes the world a happier place.
Line by Line Meaning
Without a song the day would never end
The presence of a song is what gives us the musical rhythm that guides the passing of time throughout the day. Without this, time would feel like eternal agony.
Without a song the road would never bend
Songs bring emotions and feeling to people, and it's these feelings that put the soul to ease while walking or travelling along life's winding paths. We need these feeling to bend and shape with us as we move forward.
When things go wrong, a man ain't got a friend
When we are facing challenges, and there are only ourselves against fate -a song provides the shoulder to lean on and a friend to sit next to.
Without a song, That field of corn would never see a plow
Music is essential and helps stimulate creativity in our inner worlds, which gives us the ideas and blueprint for things outside. Without this, there will be no crops, no innovation, and no music for others to enjoy.
That field of corn would be deserted now
When we lose our passion and creativity stimulus form music, we ignore the steps needed to bring forth the inner workings of greatness within us, and without this, we are left with emptiness and a deserted mind and soul.
A man is born but he's no good no-how Without a song
The sweetness of life begins to dull and lose meaning when we aren't guided by a soulful melody. The absence of music makes us feel empty and lacking in what it means to truly live and experience the greatness of life.
I got my troubles and woe but sure as I know that Jordan will roll
Evenly, as life never gives up on rolling on, so must we never give up on music to help us through the troubles and woe of this life.
I'll get along as long as a song is strong in my soul
Music is what helps us keep our head up high throughout our journey in this life as it reminds us that we are not alone and that troubles will end eventually.
I'll never know what makes the rain to fall
There are certain inexplicable things in life, and rather than being consumed with trying to process them, it's best to relax while enjoying the rhythms and soothing melodies of songs that make us feel fulfilled with life.
I'll never know what makes the grass so tall
Some things just happen because they do and don't need to be understood. Music is the same way, and we should allow its indescribable effect on the soul to take over us without explanation.
I only know there ain't no love at all Without a song!!
Love is what binds us all together. When you take away the music, you align taking that love away too, leaving us lonely and without melancholy happiness.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: EDWARD ELISCU, BILLY ROSE, VINCENT YOUMANS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind