DESCRIPTION:
TONY MASON recorded on the huge, long-established New York RCA label in 1967. Locally based, Mason was a big-voiced male singer, similar in style to other soul artists on the label -Roy Hamilton and Kenny Carter. He had been a George Kerr prodigy and had three single releases for the label.
With North America's participation in Vietnam, and young Americans being called up to serve their country, the record companies wanted to cash in on the events. In 1966, the US Billboard charts had already seen RCA's S. Sgt Barry Sadler 'The Ballad of the Green Berets', which endorsed the country's involvement in Vietnam, hit the No.1 spot for several weeks. However, after a few years of fighting, more people were becoming less optimistic with the war. Soul music was sending out far more mixed messages. Some black musicians were allowed to express their views and given the opportunity to cut songs that would hit home with those in the services and their waiting loved ones.
Written by M. Thomas and arranged and conducted by the legendary Richard Tee, 'Take Good Care' has a very professional Big City sound. The song opens with the 'Last Post' being played by a muted trumpet and answered by a xylophone. Then, Mason steps in with his soulful, heartfelt account of answering his country's call and giving us the reality of a ground level view of the campaign. This mid-tempo dancer uses a large New York orchestra to build the tension with possibly, Jean Carter and Doris Willingham supplying the backing vocals with the repeating hook line -- "Take Good Care".
This 45 gained plays on the Northern-Rare Soul scene at Top of The World, Stafford and 100 Club, London, by pioneering DJ Ady Croasdell, around late1985.
Tony Mason is also possibly linked with the Young Gents who recorded on Buddah label in 1969.