James Mason is an example of a criminally underrated artist. A guitarist and keyboardist for Roy Ayers legendary band in the 1970s, James played on the classic track ‘Running Away’. Soon after, Mason released his debut solo effort, Rhythm of Life, for the relatively unknown Chiaroscuro record label, based in New York. Unfortunately, the album fell out of print and the album along with Mr. Mason himself were forgotten for nearly two decades. In the 1990’s, the Rhythm of Life reemerged in the underground acid jazz scene. James Mason attained a cult following for such a brilliant solo effort which was uplifting but also soulful, managing to blend funk and R&B simultaneously. Finally, in 1999, Soul Brother Records, a record label based in England, acquired the rights to Rhythm of Life and saved it from almost certain oblivion.