Mason Via

Mason Via’s arrival on the scene as a solo artist has caused quite a stir, and deservedly so. He has an expressive and engaging tenor voice and a penchant for poignant original love songs with adroit lyrics and nearly irresistible hooks.

The North Carolina native is an alumnus of Old Crow Medicine Show and his original songs have been covered by Molly Tuttle and the Del McCoury Band.  His debut album opens with “Wide Open,” a piercing, folky lovelorn ballad with a terrific instrumental break. “Hey Don’t Go” is similarly compelling.

“Melt in the Sun” rings with almost painful urgency, as do “Till I Don’t Love You Anymore” and “Falling.” That urgency is leavened with a touch of bitter-sweet tongue-in-cheek on “There Goes Another One,” while “Fireball” is an ode to the healing power of love.

“Oh Lordy Me,” on which Via is joined by Ronnie Bowman and Junior Sisk on vocals, is a special treat. It’s a down-home, gospel-tinged celebration of the good life in Appalachia that also features some red-hot picking.

The tender “Mountain Lullaby,” featuring Rhonda Vincent and Bowman is an equally delightful outing.