Brian was a self-taught musician who started playing at the age of 8.  He was a legend in the Maine and Canadian bluegrass and country music circuits, playing in such bands as The Misty Mountaineers, Bob and Grace French and the Rainbow Valley Folks, White Mountain Bluegrass, Shady Creek, The Morse Brothers, The Prindalls and The Karl Shiflett Big Country Band, just to name a few.  He mastered the guitar, both lead and rhythm, as well as the banjo, mandolin, bass and fiddle.

Brian served in the U.S. Marine Corps from June 1966 until June 1969, serving in Vietnam.  He was a member of American Legion Post 4, where he served as commander from 1990 until 1992.  He received the prestigious Harold Carter Memorial Award, presented by the Downeast Country Music Association, for "outstanding country fiddler" in 1999.

Musical Offerings

In 2007 Brian decided to hit the studio hard. His first 2007 release, in July, was his Old Country Farts creation.  Joined by his best friend Steve Adams and bassist Jim Carey, these old farts knocked out a wildly popular country CD containing 13 sounds of heartache.  Dragging buddy Steve into the studio, these guys recording the whole album in just 3 1/2 hours.   Brian performed incredible guitar leads and fills throughout the album.  His fiddle work on Steve's original "Tomorrow's Your Birthday" shows again why he was so well known on that instrument.

Early in September 2007 Brian's instrumental duo "Just Pickin" was released.  This collection of 14 bluegrass classics was recorded just prior to the 'Old Country Farts' album.  Having taught Tyler Poirier his flat-picking style, Brian wanted to record with his talented young friend.  This CD shows that Brian's talents are beyond belief and grew with the years.  Brian's instructions before his death was to get this CD released!  Tyler, in Brian Mason style, has donated  all his proceeds to Brian's scholarship fund.  Tyler Poirier not only learned guitar from Brian, he also learned the meaning of class.  Tyler truly learned from the best.

He was also an avid fly fisherman and hunter, but his greatest joys were mentoring young bluegrass musicians and just sitting around and jamming with his friends.  He was admired by all and loved by many for his musical abilities and big heart.

He was first and foremost a musician who is sadly missed by all.