It’s hard to believe that after 30 years as the creative force behind three of New Zealand’s best known bands, this is probably the first time most of us have really heard of Wayne Mason. Worth the wait ? Most definitely. Mason’s 12 excellent compositions, Nigel Stone’s sympathetic production, along with three decades of hard-won experience have culminated in a world-class songwriter album.

We all knew Mason could write melodies, we all knew he could play, but how many of us knew about that wonderfully rich, yet suitable road-weary voice, or that rare poetic ability to somehow make the everyday things seem really important? Don’t expect the pop songs of the old Fourmyula or the country ballads of the Warratahs.

This is an album of what Bob Dylan once called “one too many mornings, and a thousand miles behind” songs. With all that road behind him, on his first solo effort Mason still gives the impression that he’s only just getting warmed up.