Go With Elmo Episode 71 Recap: “Harvey Mason Sr. – The Drum Legend on Headhunters, Herbie Hancock, Chick, Quincy, and Changing Partners”
Everything You Need to Know
In episode 71 of Go With Elmo, host Elmo Lovano dives into a rich, career-spanning conversation with the legendary session drummer and recording artist, Harvey Mason. Known for his genre-defining grooves and versatility across the jazz, funk, and pop worlds, Mason shares the remarkable stories behind his iconic collaborations, his personal philosophy on music and life, and his enduring impact as both a musician and a father.
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About the Guest: Harvey Mason Sr.
Harvey Mason Sr. is one of the most prolific and highly regarded session drummers of all time. From the driving force behind Herbie Hancock’s revolutionary “Headhunters” album to his work with Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, and his flourishing solo career, Mason’s fingerprints are found across decades of music history. He’s the recipient of Grammy recognition, an innovator in the studios of LA and New York, and a beloved educator and mentor. As Elmo notes, Mason has also raised an incredible family—his son, Harvey Mason Jr., is now CEO of the Recording Academy.
The Birth of Headhunters and Harvey’s Pivotal Session Career
This episode kicks off with a deep dive into one of jazz’s most legendary albums: Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters (1973). Harvey recounts how Herbie was looking for a new groove and, thanks to a recommendation from Billy Hart, reached out to Harvey, then touring Japan with Carole King.
Despite the opportunity to become part of the touring Headhunters band, Harvey made the deliberate, and difficult, decision to prioritize his burgeoning studio career over the road—a decision that “tormented” him at the time, but one he stands by decades later. For Harvey, the allure of steady, varied studio work and being able to play across genres with L.A.’s elite session musicians was too meaningful to pass up.
“I was living my dream… My dream was to be a studio musician, to play with the best musicians on the planet, any kind of music, any situation.”
Inside the Studio: The Collaborative Creation of a Jazz Landmark
The Headhunters sessions, Harvey explains, were built on organic, collaborative writing: days spent at Herbie’s house jamming and developing ideas, followed by warm-up gigs and finally, the recording dates themselves. The band came together piece by piece, with Harvey and Herbie as the foundation, joined by Benny Maupin, Bill Summers, and finally, bassist Paul Jackson.
Harvey shares fascinating details about the making of the classic “Chameleon”—how Paul Jackson’s bassline inspired the groove, and the band’s collective spirit created a sound that was fresh, funky, and innovative. He also speaks about the arrangement of “Watermelon Man”, which he brought to Herbie with the distinctive opening played by Bill Summers. Harvey’s humility shines through as he reflects on these now-legendary sessions: “We were just creating, we didn’t know we were making history.”
The Reluctant Touring Star: Harvey’s Studio First Mentality
Though Headhunters became the best-selling jazz album of its era, Harvey declined to tour with the band, wary of sacrificing his studio opportunities. “It tormented me,” he admits. Numerous fans went to see the live band expecting to see Harvey, but his heart remained in the recording studios, where he thrived during the golden era of L.A. session work.
His studio life was prolific and eclectic—playing everything from jazz clubs and orchestras, to strip club gigs and bar mitzvahs, to TV shows and chart-topping records with Quincy Jones, Earth Wind & Fire, and beyond. His academic training with percussion master Vic Firth and jazz innovator Alan Dawson prepared him not only as a drummer but as a well-rounded musician, able to tackle anything the studios required.
Epic Collabs: Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Jaco Pastorius, and Beyond
Through the conversation, Elmo and Harvey reminisce about his all-star collaborations. Harvey shares the story of how Quincy Jones “discovered” he was also a drummer (after initially hiring him as a percussionist), prompting a long, fruitful working relationship. He also recalls his work with Chick Corea, including magical moments in the studio where Chick’s spontaneous energy created instant classics.
Another highlight is the legendary 4am trio session with Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorius—one of Harvey’s personal favorites—revealing the improvisational spirit and camaraderie among the era’s giants.
Family, Fatherhood, and Life Lessons
A recurring theme through the episode is Harvey’s dedication not just to music but to family. He and Elmo talk about fatherhood—Harvey’s guiding philosophy was to be the attentive, supportive dad he never had, always making space for his children despite the demands of a world-class career. This nurturing spirit extended to his music students and mentees. His legacy is not just musical, but deeply personal and transformative for the next generations (including his sons Harvey Mason Jr. and Max Mason).
Harvey Mason’s Solo Journey and the Influence of Clive Davis
Harvey’s solo career began after a chance encounter with Clive Davis, who encouraged him to release his own records, resulting in a six-album deal (he made five). His 1976 album Funk in a Mason Jar stands as a favorite of Elmo’s—celebrated for strong songs rather than mere drum showcases. Harvey credits influential collaborators (like David Foster and Quincy Jones), and, ever-humble, confesses he rarely toured behind these albums, prioritizing studio work instead.
Reflections, Gratitude, and the Creative Path Forward
Now in his late 70s, Harvey continues to record (his latest, Changing Partners: Trios 2, is out), practice, and teach. He reflects on his journey with deep gratitude, highlighting the unique moment-in-time that was the L.A. music scene of the 1970s and 80s—a combination of talent, opportunity, and mentorship not easily replicated today.
He speaks candidly about the anxieties and joys of aging as a musician, his awe at the next generation’s technical prowess, and his continued drive to push boundaries and make honest, heartfelt music
Final Thoughts
This episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the artistry and humanity behind modern music. Harvey Mason Sr.’s story exemplifies not just technical excellence and career longevity, but the importance of collaboration, integrity, humility, and family. As Elmo says, his journey is “the dream”—and one still unfolding, inspiring musicians and music lovers alike.
For more, listen to Episode 71 of Go With Elmo, and be sure to check out Harvey’s new album, Changing Partners: Trios 2.
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