Search - Mason Proffit :: Bareback Rider

Quality Country Rock

Charles T. Hamilton | Batavia, Illinois USA | 11/15/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bare Back Rider is a Mason Proffit mixture of styles, but the basic sound has a definite country flavor. One song is very Christian, "I Saw the Light," and another is quite political, "Black September/Belfast," Both of these songs work. MP's musicianship and vocals are first rate on both of these songs. Two songs, "Five Generations" and "Sail Away" are primarily folk ballads that are laid-back enjoyable tunes. The rest of the songs, as I said before, are primarily country. As a general rule of thumb I do not like country music, but I love Bare Back Rider. Mason Proffit is often referred to as the best band that didn't make it. Perhaps their timing was wrong. I would say that country music is more popular today than it ever has been. I would think that this CD should get some airtime on local country radio stations. The first six songs on this CD are, in my opinion, great country songs. If you are a country music fan you should buy this CD, and then keep bugging your local country station to play some cuts from this CD."

The reissue of a minor masterpiece...

11/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"...and it's about time! For too long, all that was available by these guys was the "Come And Gone" CD, which comprised their first two albums. Mason Proffit (a band, not a person!) had always been plagued by sub-standard production qualities. Their previous album, "Rockfish Crossing," just missed the mark. On this release, however, producer Bill Halverson finally got it right. Too bad it turned out to be their final album. Beautiful harmonies, great tunes ("Lily" shoulda been a HIT), and skillful musicianship (I think they were a 6 piece band by this time) make "Bareback Rider" a welcome re-issue. Recommended to fans of alt.country and folk/rock."

Thomas Earl

Thomas W. Earl | New York | 01/07/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of Mason Proffit's finest works. For those who are familiar with the band you need to add this to your collection. If you are new to the band this is a great place to start. Strong songwriting along with excellent musicianship, vocals and production. If you like the country rock that came out of he 70's you will love this album. The band broke up before getting the recognition they deserved though they were blazing a trail that in itself was quite impressive. Search the web about this group and you will see."