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Mason Swearingen(Bass) has been involved in music
one way or another most of his life. "My father played bass
in a band and my mother was a singer when she was younger. Our
house Mason began traveling with bands when he was only 16 years old. "I got a taste for the road at a very early age and have been drawn to it ever since. It really is the life I love." He has opened for bands like: Foreigner, Kix, Molly Hatchet, Blackfoot, Nazareth, Live, John Popper, Spin Doctors with various musical projects of his own. He has also worked in the studio with producers Al Greenwood (Foreigner keyboardist), Michael Musmano (Tongue and Groove), John Regan and Harvey Jay Goldberg. He is a passionate songwriter and won 4th and 10th place in the Billboard Songwriters Contest 1n 1996. Since joining the group in early 1998, Mason has become an integral part of the ERIC STUART BAND. From dynamic stage performer to acting tour manager on the bands first national tour, Mason has made his presence felt. As a player, Mason brings years of touring and recording experience that has helped to mold the rhythm section into a tight and cohesive unit. It should come as no surprise
how easily the members fit together in this band. "I remember
when I first heard Eric's music, I knew immediately I wanted
to be part of the band." Mason says, " but when we
sat down and began talking about influences and our favorite
bands and songs it became clear we needed to play together."
Mason's ability to "play for the song" can be heard
on the n When he is not playing music
Mason enjoys playing sports. Mason's strong, supportive vocals and intelligent, melodic playing have created the foundation for the Eric Stuart Band. |
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was
always full of music. Some of my earliest memories are of dancing
around the house to Sly and the Family Stone, the Allman Brothers,
and the Beatles." He started taking piano lessons at the
age of eight. In Jr. High he joined the band and played trombone.
"I learned to read music early on and it's something that
has helped me my entire life."He began playing bass guitar
at fourteen when his father gave him his first bass. Some of
his earliest influences were Barry Oakley, John Paul Jones, Gene
Simmons and Michael Anthony. "I had been listening to rock
and roll all my life and I knew exactly what it was I wanted
to do.
ew ERIC
STUART BAND CD, Blue, Dressed In Black. The precise rhythm
patterns of 'Staring You In The Face' and 'Blue, Dressed In Black',
and tasty lines in 'Raise A Little Hell' and 'Can't Get Enough
Of It' help to show off the talents of Mason's bass playing.
With a four octave vocal range, Mason made an immediate impact
on what the band could do vocally both in the studio and live.
Listening to 'Blue, Dressed In Black' and 'Rasie A Little Hell'
you can really appreciate the way Eric and Mason's voices compliment
each other.
He
was a star soccer player and even spent a short time playing
with Tab Ramos at NCSU. "I've always enjoyed athletics and
being outdoors. Whether it's water skiing, jogging, or just hangin'
in the park with a Frisbee and a guitar." Mason is an avid
reader of classic literature as well as contemporary fiction.
He can be seen reading anything from Kafka or Homer to Elmore
Leonard and Michael Crichton.
