Collaboration is an exciting jazz album that features composer/multi-instrumentalist David Mash and some of the amazing instrumentalists/friends he’s worked with during his many years in association with Berklee College of Music. Recorded live in the studio, the album is made up of four original instrumental tracks that were composed in 1978, shortly after David lost the use of his left hand due to a botched surgery and had to give up playing the guitar. Quoting David Mash:

“I was living in constant physical pain from nerve and tendon damage in my hand, and spent some months in depression, abusing pain medications, feeling sorry for myself, and had lost my sense of self identity – I was no longer a guitarist, so who was I?

“In late spring of 1978, I was given a breakthrough technology for the time, a Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulator to help mute the pain from my hand. This allowed me to clear my head from the opiates, and with less pain, I was able to begin to think more clearly and return to my musical life. I came to the realization that I had never been a guitarist, but rather I had been a musician that played the guitar, and now I was still a musician, and began to search out an instrument I could play with one hand. Fortunately, I chose the Synthesizer, which was monophonic at the time, and I could play some keyboard, and with limited movement of my left hand I could move knobs and faders on the instrument. I sold all my guitars and bought an ARP 2600 and 1601 Sequencer, and began my new career as a synthesist.”

Fortunately, after corrective surgery some years later, David’s ability to play the guitar returned, and, in addition to composing credits for this album, David plays guitar, synthesizers and soft orchestra. The album also features George W. Russell, Jr. on piano; Sean Skeete on drums; Winston Maccow on bass; Ricardo Monzon on percussion; and Bruce Nifong on alto and soprano saxes, flute and EWI (electronic wind instrument). Calling it “the perfect soundtrack for anything you want to do,” the music is bright and upbeat, and “ready to groove.”

While exploring David Mash’s website, I discovered that he had been in a progressive electronic jazz-fusion band from 1976–1983 called Ictus. Their first album, Future Winds, was released in early 1981 and the first two tracks on this album are new arrangements of the first two tracks on that one.

Collaboration begins with “Ictus Sanctus,” a breezy and upbeat nine-minute piece that allows each of the musicians to take the spotlight at various times - and all are very impressive! The title track was co-composed with Dave Weigert and slows the tempo down to an easy, soulful groove. Mash’s electric guitar and Nifong’s sax are stellar! “TNS” was named after the “Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulator” that David was given to relieve the pain in his hand. Again quoting David:

“This device gave the piece its name, because I could finally think straight without all the drugs and alcohol I’d been using to deal with the physical and emotional pain. The piece explores the depths of emotions I was having at the time – sorrow, depression, physical pain, joy, happiness, and hope!”

The transitions from one emotion to another are smooth and seamless and keep the piece fascinating from the first note to the last in its twenty-two minute playing time. “Bionic Man” got its name when David rejoined Ictus and a band member commented that he was like the bionic man, “all wired up to that little machine.” Bright and optimistic, it’s not easy to sit still while this piece is playing!

A music video for “Bionic Man” is available to watch on YouTube now, and the video for “Ictus Sanctus,” will be released on May 15, 2026. Both are exceptionally well-done and were filmed during the recording session(s).

Collaboration is available to download and stream on Amazon, Apple Music and Bandcamp. Bandcamp also has a limited number of CDs. The album is also on many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. Don’t miss this one!!!