Funk in a Mason Jar cover

Funk in a Mason Jar

Harvey Mason · 1977

41 min · 9 tracks · jazz

An intricate blend of jazz-funk grooves and smooth melodies, merging rhythmic precision with soulful improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Pack Up Your Bags — This opening track sets an energetic tone for the album with vibrant horns and infectious rhythms that highlight Mason's skillful drumming and compositional flair.
  • →
    What's Going On? — A reinterpretation of Marvin Gaye's classic, this track showcases Mason's ability to blend soulful melodies with complex rhythms, making it a standout moment on the record.
  • →
    Freedom Either Way — The dynamic interplay between instruments on this track emphasizes the seamless fusion of jazz and funk, illustrating Mason's unique sound while promoting themes of liberation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong grooves and skilled improvisation, marking a solid entry into jazz-funk.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate drum patterns that drive the rhythm while allowing space for melodic improvisation from the horns.
  • Each track maintains a consistent groove, with several pieces extending beyond five minutes to explore variations and solos.
  • The use of layered instrumentation creates a rich texture, blending electric piano, brass, and bass in a way that emphasizes both harmony and rhythm.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • intricate grooves for dance enthusiasts
  • smooth melodies for relaxed evenings
  • upbeat tracks for social gatherings
  • playful rhythms that invite movement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer heavy, aggressive sounds
  • want straightforward, minimalistic arrangements

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1977, Funk in a Mason Jar was Harvey Mason's debut album as a bandleader after establishing himself as a sought-after session drummer. At this point in his career, he had already contributed to numerous high-profile projects, including those by Herbie Hancock and The Blackbyrds, showcasing his versatility and setting the stage for his own artistic expression.
Stylistic neighbors
Joe Sample· Bob James· Chick Corea

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • What's Going On?

    The song shifts from reflective verses to a powerful chorus that unites different voices in harmony.

    This structural choice enhances the emotional weight of the message, amplifying the urgency of its social commentary on love and understanding.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Pack Up Your Bags 5:13
  • 2 Till You Take My Love 3:42
  • 3 Space Cadets 3:35
  • 4 Freedom Either Way 3:36
  • 5 Funk in a Mason Jar 1:56
  • 6 What's Going On? 8:31
  • 7 Set It Free 5:54
  • 8 Phantazia 4:29
  • 9 Liquid 4:38

What to play next

Groovin' You
Listen next

Groovin' You

1979
Earthmover
Go back to

Earthmover

1976
Full Harvey Mason discography Artists like Harvey Mason
post-bop smooth jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata