[Cover photo credit to Jini Sachse]

Hoboken-based Rock/Americana singer/songwriter and guitarist James Mastro (The Bongos, Health & Happiness Show) has shared a video for “Right Words, Wrong Song,” the lead track on his forthcoming debut solo album Dawn of a New Error, due Feb. 21, 2024, via MPress Records. The song and video feature guest vocals and appearances by Ian Hunter.

With this new music, we see bandleader/touring guitarist James Mastro (Ian Hunter, Patti Smith, Alejandro Escovedo) stepping out as frontman. The song takes on a serious topic, “the slant on news, where “truth” is shaped to fit a preferential narrative.”

The video is a tongue-in-cheek take on the evening news, where Mastro patterns his character on contemporary late night TV hosts, while Tammy Faye parodies a co-anchor and music contest judge.

Mastro discusses the video, saying: 

The video is a tip of the hat to fellow New Jerseyans Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. Over the years they’ve been able to point out facts that should be blatantly obvious, but sometimes aren’t so until presented in a humorous way. Ian Hunter cast as the weatherman makes perfect sense to me, as he’s weathered many storms over the decades and come out fine. That’s news I can trust.

Dawn of a New Error features guest vocals by Ian Hunter and is Produced by Tony Shanahan, best known as Patti Smith’s bassist. Noteworthy drummers on the record include Brian Griffin (Brandi Carlile, Black Crowes) and Steve Goulding (The Mekons, Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe).

The album was recorded and mixed by Grammy nominee James Frazee (Patti Smith, Sharon Van Etten, Marshall Crenshaw), and mastered by Greg Calbi.