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COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL AUSTIN HOUSTON SAN ANTONIO |
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SQUEEGEE BoyS: Window cleaning |
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JACK MASON OF STRAIT MUSIC 13945 Hwy 183 N, Suite B 512.918.3743
Hear what our friend Jack has to say in this personal interview “STRAIT-UP WITH JACK MASON”
SB: How long have you been involved in the music business and when would you say you decided on this as a career?
Jack: I began in music retail in 1980 and except for a two year period this is what I’ve been doing. I think I knew way back then that I liked what I was doing.
SB: Do you remember the first time you developed a serious interest in music and learning an instrument?
Jack: You know, I grew up in a musical household. My father played several instruments, but it wasn’t until I heard pop music in the 60’s that I got interested. Ha!
SB: Can you remember the first song you learned? What style do you prefer now?
Jack: I remember very well the first song I tried to learn; it was “Gloria” by Van Morrison. I like all styles of music; to me there is good music and not so good in all types of music. I prefer to play R & B/Soul or jazz style with a little pop thrown in for flavor.
SB: Have you played with any bands you would care to mention?
Jack: I have played with a number of bands over the years including some that were my bands. These were just local guys having fun and there aren’t any “names” that anyone would recognize.
SB: Who was the person who most influenced you?
Jack: I have a lot of influences musically. If I had to just choose one it would have to be Eric Clapton, not because he’s the most technical or the fastest or the most whatever, but because he always plays the “right notes” for whatever song he’s doing. The late Wes Montgomery (a great jazz guitarist) said that a lot of guys lose the feeling they’re trying to convey to the listener and to me all the great players have a signature to their playing that is unmistakable.
SB: What is your most memorable experience playing?
Jack: It would have to be playing on the “Flagship Texas” on Lake Travis at sunset with my band “Night Music” for a corporate party. I remember thinking how privileged I felt at that moment and trying to soak it all in. I had a great group of guys with a very soulful sax player. Nice sound! Several of the tunes we played were ones I wrote.
SB: What brand guitar do you prefer?
Jack: Again it’s like great musicians, there are lots of them. I suppose if I was stuck on an island and I could only take one guitar it would have to be a Martin acoustic guitar.
SB: Do you have any words of wisdom for those learning to play an instrument?
Jack: You know I got a fortune cookie just recently that read “Practice is the best instructor.” I’ve got that posted on my desk at work. I think the battle is either won or lost by how much a person is willing to sacrifice time to give to their instrument. Sure talent varies, but practice brings out what is inside of you! Another thing I seem to find too often is that some people only listen to one style of music. It’s great to have favorites, but it’s important to be open to everything. There will always be new artists/bands that have something cool to hear; not just the ones I’ve been listening to for years.
SB: To what do you attribute your business success?
Jack: Short answer-persistency
SB: Tell us some things you’d like people to know about your store.
Jack: Thank you for asking and thanks for asking these questions. Strait Music Co. is a family owned local business that has been around since 1963. We are a full line store carrying pianos, keyboards, PA, recording equipment, wind instruments, drums, guitars, printed music, software and repair service. We offer competitive pricing and unmatched service. Thanks again and please let us know if there is anything we can be of help with.
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