Mason Dixon Band expands reach on land and in air
Among the functions of a band leader with a regional following is to get the music out there — as far as possible.
Tony Jackson of the Mason Dixon Band has excelled in this regard. The songs of their album, “Live the Journey,” ring out to Canada, Britain, Australia, Spain and North Dakota.
An agent of Independent Music Promotions discovered the band and placed their songs in regular rotation on her internet radio show, “Indie Country with DJ Suzy.” It airs weekly and is replayed at various times weekly on 50 affiliates worldwide.
Jackson said he has no idea how the agent discovered the band, but now that he has discovered these outlets, he acted on his own to place music on 10-15 more outlets. Scattering music on waves and particles may not bring immediate success, but it’s good for the songs and for contented listeners, he said.
“Maybe it brings some happiness or something to get them through what they’re going through,” he said. “If things come of it — more notoriety or more opportunities maybe to do festivals that are a good distance away — that may never happen without the exposure.”
The band blends country, blues and Southern rock, frequently at a hard-driving pace, Jackson’s bass making a strong impression along with Rick Hendry (lead guitar), Dan Harmon (rhythm guitar) and drummer Raymond Klok.
The Mason Dixon Band (named for Jackson’s numerous moves between north and south locales) has a rugged slate of shows in southwest Missouri and beyond. He’s looking forward to performing July 3 at Branson Landing, before and after fireworks.
The CD traces the ups and downs of life, from carefree fun to falling into and out of love. Jackson wrote the songs and sang tracks of three- and four-part harmonies.
“Painting the Town Blue” stands out as a long-form piece with strains of country and gospel.
The song conveys a slow, bluesy-weepy 6/8 with guitar fills falling in mournful clusters. Lyrics of longing for one’s love evoke Shakespeare’s “all the world’s a stage” but employs techs and stage builders:
“The curtain is down on my life tonight. Those in charge of the props use hammers and glue, but tonight I’m a painter, and I’m painting my stage blue. I’m painting the town blue …”
Jackson keeps this song off the set list because he wants people to listen to it carefully at home. He will play it if requested. So be sure to request it.
Ed Peaco writes about locally grown Ozarks music for the News-Leader. Contact him at 417-413-9029 or EdPeaco@gmail.com
Mason Dixon Band
8 p.m. Friday, May 26, Drunken Monkey
Shows, music: themasondixonband.com
Radio: Google “Indie Country with DJ Suzy”