"James Mastro is a man of musical fiber, a songwriter who seeks truth in every note he plays and every word he sings. Listening to James conjures warm memories and Rock n Roll joyrides. I love James Mastro and you will, too." – Alejandro Escovedo

"...each track on his MPress debut (Dawn of a New Error) is a swoon-worthy, masterclass in crafting timeless hooks, intelligent lyrics, and kick-ass playing that any fan of Elvis Costello, Tom Petty, or Wilco will embrace." – Glide Magazine

"Dawn of a New Error is a terrific set of songs that range from the proud rock’n’roll strut of its opening number to more introspective ruminations on life’s foibles." – Hollywood.com

Hoboken-based rock/Americana singer-songwriter-guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Health & Happiness Show) has released an optimistic Gospel-tinged single "Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around", the second track on his forthcoming debut solo album Dawn of a New Error via MPress Records.

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. The song premiered in Americana Highways.

Listen to "Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around" HERE
Stream the single and Pre-order the album HERE

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 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 – the songs were recorded whenever Mastro and Shanahan found time to get together, between Shanahan's work with Smith and Mastro's work with Hunter and other projects. 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® nominee James Frazee (Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, Marshall Crenshaw), and mastered by the legendary Greg Calbi.

Tour Dates
(please see jamesmastro.net for upcoming tour dates)

2/21/24 • Bowery Electric • New York, NY Album Release Show
2/24/24 • Transparent Clinch Gallery • Asbury Park, NJ
 

Right Words, Wrong Song (feat. Ian Hunter) My god Three Words (feat. Ian Hunter) Everywhere Never Die Here Beside Me Trouble (feat. Megan Reilly) The Face of the Sun (feat. Ian Hunter as voice of God) Gangster Baby Someday Someone Will Turn Your Head Around River Runs Forever

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, Tiny Lights, and most recently, Ian Hunter's cover version of Jesse Malin's song "Dead On," for an upcoming record benefiting Malin’s health recovery. Dawn of a New Error is due out in February 2024 via MPress Records. For more information, visit jamesmastro.net.

For more information, please contact:
Jill Richmond-Johnson | jillr@mpressrecords.com | 212-481-7243

https://mpressrecords.com

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