RIP Dave Mason

"Alone Together" was a brilliant album, and one of the earliest rock albums that came in colored vinyl; I don't remember the exact colors, but it was a swirly kind of design."

@larsman 

I played my 1970 copy last night. Shades of mauve. Looks like a squished bowling ball with splashes of black/white. Fantastic album.

"Dave Mason played an older two-pickup Firebird with a Bigsby vibrato bar, and that's what it sounds like he played on this track and throughout his Alone Together album.

@drmuso 

I like to guess what guitar/amp is used on iconic albums. Usually, I'm wrong! Most of the search responses appear to concur. The mini humbucker did have a unique sound.

My favorite Firebird player is early/mid career Johnny Winter. Very different setup unique to Johnny.

Winwood's guitar playing/phrasing definitely has "personal signature" vibe we players strive to achieve. 

Saw him in 1975 at an all-day summer concert with Yes, Peter Frampton, and Ace. My specific memory of all the details is a bit foggy but I believe his set included, All Along the Watchtower, Only You Know and I Know, Feelin' Alright?, and more. I know it was a great day! RIP

His “certified live” is my favorite. Reportedly, no overdubs in the studio after the concert- everything is “certified” as being recorded live 

It can be very hard to tell exactly what someone's guitar rig was on a specific recording.  Interviews and photographs are the most reliable evidence available.  There are sonic signatures to pickups, but they can be overwhelmed by amplifiers, cabinets and effects pedals, particularly overdrives, and recording techniques.  For instance Jimmy Page was a dedicated Les Paul player, but it's a Fender Telecaster on many of his early LZ recordings.  Go figure.

Mason was a superior guitar player compared to Winwood, but his wasn't a better musician.  Winwood clearly has enough chops to be more than interesting.

I'm lucky to be the original owner of  the MCA "Heavy Vinyl" series of "Alone Together" They are 200g. Some will remember at the same time MFSL was introducing Anadisc 200 series. Same inner protective sleeve. These lps sound great. 

Thanks for all of the music Dave .....RIP 🎶