Hoboken-based rock/Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Health & Happiness Show) has released a companion video for his uplifting gospel-tinged single “Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around”, the lauded track on his new debut solo album, Dawn of a New Error via MPress Records.
Shot in Hoboken, NJ and directed by James Mastro, the video’s storyline blurs the lines between revival meetings, union congregations, and political rallies. Like a preacher/teacher, Mastro cheers up a desperate group with his encouraging message. Sometimes being in a crowd is when someone can feel the most alone. But there’s also strength in numbers, and this video reinforces that we are not alone, and change for the better can come when one least expects it.
Order the album HERE
SSWTYHA combines Mastro’s Springsteen-esque vocals with Hammond B3 organ and driving bass, in an arrangement reminiscent of classic Dylan and Bowie. Beloved for his roots-rock sensibility, Mastro’s upbeat, optimistic tune features Andy Burton (John Mayer) on keys, Jeremy Chatzky (Steve Earle) on bass, Dave Schramm (The Schramms) on guitar, and Ron Metz (Tammy Faye Starlight) on drums. The Jersey City New Heights Gospel Group (including Freedy Johnston) contribute rocking gospel vocals, all coming together in a tune that can’t help but turn your head around.
Mastro discusses the song, saying: “We all need some sort of salvation at some point or other – whether it’s from a bad day at work, problems in a relationship, trying to pay bills. Sometimes solace comes unexpectedly: a song on the radio, a stranger smiling at you, a child reaching for his mother’s hand. A bad day can suddenly become a good one when words of encouragement come out of the car speakers, or you hear a singer’s voice that has the same rasp you sometimes feel in your own. I wrote this song for a session I was doing with a large ensemble, and wanted to capture that same feeling: you’re not alone, we’re in this together, and though things may seem tough now, you never know when someone’s gonna turn your head around.”
Dawn of a New Error marks the return of James Mastro (The Bongos, Health & Happiness Show) to the front and center as singer and songwriter. Featuring guest vocals by Ian Hunter and produced by Tony Shanahan – best known as Patti Smith’s bassist, co-producer and musical collaborator. Noteworthy drummers on the record include the late Louie Appel (Southside Johnny), Brian Griffin (Brandi Carlile, Black Crowes), Steve Goulding (The Mekons, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe), and Bill Dubrow (Yoko Ono, Linda Thompson). The album was recorded and mixed by Grammy® winner James Frazee (Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, Marshall Crenshaw), and mastered by the legendary Greg Calbi.
Tour Dates (*with Alejandro Escovedo)
(please see jamesmastro.net for upcoming tour dates)
| 3/23/24 • 503 Social Club • Hoboken, NY 3/29/24 • Antone’s • Austin, TX* 4/02/24 • Chelsea’s Live • Baton Rouge, LA* 4/04/24 • 40 Watt Club • Athens, GA* 4/05/24 • Salvage Station • Asheville, NC* 4/06/24 • The Pour House Music Hall • Raleigh, NC* 4/07/24 • The Tin Pan • Richmond, VA* 4/10/24 • Center for The Arts of Homer • Homer, NY* 4/12/24 • Sellersville Theatre • Sellersville, PA* 4/13/24 • City Winery • Boston, MA* 4/14/24 • Bowery Ballroom • New York City* (full band) 4/17/24 • The Horseshoe Tavern • Toronto, ON* 4/19/24 • Bell’s Eccentric Cafe • Kalamazoo, MI* 4/20/24 • The Castle Theatre • Bloomington, IN* 4/21/24 • The Acorn • Three Oaks, MI* 4/23/24 • Vivarium • Milwaukee, WI* 4/25/24 • FitzGerald’s • Berwyn, IL* | 4/26/24 • Barrymore Theatre • Madison, WI* 4/27/24 • Dakota • Minneapolis, MN* 4/30/24 • Englert Theatre • Iowa City, IA* 5/02/24 • City Winery • St. Louis, MO* 5/03/24 • CMA Theatre • Nashville, TN* 5/04/24 • White Water Tavern • Little Rock, AR* 5/05/24 • Kessler Theater • Dallas, TX* 5/08/24 • Clinch Transparent Gallery • Asbury Park, NJ 5/10/24 • Tunes • Hoboken, NJ (in-store w/band) 5/11/24 • Factory Records •Dover, NJ (full band) 5/17/24 • The Cut • Gloucester, MA (Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Show) 5/31/24 • Hammerstein Ballroom • New York, NY (Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Show -w/The Damned) 6/16/24 • Cafe Nine • New Haven, CT (full band) 6/17/24 • Swamp Stomp – West Kingstown, RI (full band) |
About James Mastro
James Mastro has been a highly-regarded songwriter and guitarist since his teen years in CBGB stalwarts The Richard Lloyd Group. A founder of The Bongos, a radio and MTV staple who released three lauded records via Gem and RCA including 2023’s re-release Numbers With Wing, Mastro later moved to center stage as frontman for Americana fave The Health & Happiness Show, releasing three critically acclaimed albums on Bar-None and Cropduster. Mastro has opened on tour for Wilco, Johnny Cash, Golden Smog, Barenaked Ladies, Beat Farmers, The Blasters, Kirsty MacColl, and collaborated with Texas troubadour Butch Hancock. In 2001 he joined ranks with Mott the Hoople‘s legendary singer Ian Hunter and has served as his left-hand man ever since, touring and playing on Hunter’s last six albums. Additionally, he has toured as a guitarist with Patti Smith, John Cale, Judy Collins, Alejandro Escovedo, Garland Jeffreys, The Jayhawks, and Southside Johnny. His studio session work includes credits on releases by Phoebe Snow, Marti Jones, and Rachael Sage. Production credits include Steve Wynn‘s “The Devil’s Not That Kind,” Jill Sobule‘s “Just A Little Lovin’,” Amy Speace, and Tiny Lights, Dawn of a New Error is out now via MPress Records. For more information, visit jamesmastro.net.
