I’ve been a big fan of Mason’s for a long time, so when Anna gave me the ok to collect some songs up here in Vancouver, and it coincided with his tour stop here, he was an obvious first choice. Mason’s an amazing storyteller. I’ve always loved how his distinctive songs intimately reveal the pain, pleasure (and humor) of life, often with just a voice and a guitar. And considering the fact that one of my favorite albums of his is called Use Your Voice – I was pretty sure he’d be a perfect fit for TVP. I was right. His version of Bill Withers’ classic Lean on Me is beautiful in its homage, honesty, simplicity, and message. (I could easily hear it being sung by the Gulu Choir.)

We shot on the empty floor of The Venue in Vancouver before a great Sunday night show. Even hooked him up with a jar of my mom’s homemade apple chutney. A big thanks to Mason for adding his distinct voice to the project. This is why I make films. — Jeff T