Ted Mason

"I started out as a back up guitarist for Modern English in the 80’s, moving to manager/producer and co songwriter working with Robbie Grey for well over a decade, providing a very lucrative financial and musical development for all involved in Modern English." Mr. Mason’s contribution, though not listed on every album, was more than a musical contribution but that of a manager lending thoughtful, emotional and financial development. "When I took over management in the late 80’s early 90’s, Modern English was involved in a contractual dispute with TVT records and Steve Gottlieb, President of TVT, did not like the direction Robbie Grey and I where taking musically." Mr. Mason settled all legal matters, provided financial and musical support in developing new music and recording new demos, brought Modern English to Ian Copeland and Paula Leoni at Frontier Booking International (FBI) and put Modern English back on the road touring America managing all aspects of the road. At the same time he provided opportunities for new record contracts including a deal with Terry Ellis and Imago records. In doing so Robbie Grey and former members of Modern English have benefited greatly their unison. "When I left Modern English in 1997, Robbie had a new career, Ian Copeland at FBI booking made a honorable percentage from the tours and Robbie Grey’s new manager/booking agent Paula Leoni had a new career with Robbie Grey."

"These were hard but fun and emotionally rewarding years. I have since left, and though many in the Modern English camp of fans and management might not like the direction I have taken musically, it is the direction I have always pursued. My new band does not sound anything like Modern English and our artistic ambitions and musical abilities are completely different. I perform some tracks from Modern English for fans and because of my emotional, musical and personal investment I have put into the development of Modern English and Robbie Grey. I feel it is too great a part of my life to ignore."

Mr. Mason’s contributions to music however go far beyond Modern English. He has been a producer/musician and manager for many acts organizing national tours through the U.S. and the UK for at least 20 years. He has worked as a musician/producer for such acts as Gary Langan (Art of Noise), Afrika Bambatta, the late Cal Tjader, Sheila E, Pete Escovedo, Betty Carter, Jesus and the Mary Chain, the Verve, UTFO, Real Roxanne, Hugh Cornwell (Stranglers), Midge Ure (Ultravox), Jesus Jones, Muzz Skillings (Living Colour), Kid Creole and Coati Mundi, to name a few. In tour production and management side he has worked with such acts Ringo Starr, Suzanne Vega, Sugar Ray, and Russell Simons and Multinational corporations such as Volvo.