About the Artist
James Mastro’s career spans decades, from playing with the Bongos and Ian Hunter to crafting his own solo material rich in character and melody.
James Mastro
About the Episode (Episode 21)
James Mastro: Finding the Wisdom in the "New Error"
James Mastro has spent decades as the ultimate "character actor" of rock and roll. A founding member of the legendary Hoboken power-pop outfit The Bongos and the longtime right-hand guitarist for Mott the Hoople’s Ian Hunter, Mastro’s resume reads like a Hall of Fame induction list, featuring stints with Patti Smith, The Jayhawks, and Alejandro Escovedo. But in this episode of Curious Goldfish, Mastro steps out from the side-stage shadows to discuss his long-awaited solo debut, Dawn of a New Error.
Host Jason English explores the vulnerability required for a career sideman to finally claim the center mic. Mastro approaches this transition with a refreshing lack of ego, noting that the album’s title is a self-deprecating nod to his late-stage solo start. "I think the biggest mistake is being afraid to make mistakes," Mastro tells English. "I’m all for stretching my horizons... if I have to talk about myself, it’ll force me to think about what I’m doing a little more seriously and get me somewhere else."
The conversation centers on three core themes:
The Sideman Philosophy: Mastro reflects on the art of supporting icons like Ian Hunter and how playing "for the song" shaped his own writing. He views himself not as a star, but as a craftsman who finds liberation in service to the music.
Embracing Imperfection: The "Error" in his album title isn't just a pun; it’s a mission statement. Mastro discusses the beauty of "messy" recordings and the importance of letting go of perfectionism to find authentic emotion.
The Creative Mid-Life: After 50 years in the industry, Mastro explores why now was the right time to stop being a "video guy" and start being the face of his own stories—including the tongue-in-cheek video for the lead track, "Right Words, Wrong Song."
Mastro’s journey is a great example of resiliency and quiet confidence. This episode is a vital listen for anyone wondering if it’s too late to start something new or how to turn a lifetime of supporting others into a singular, personal vision.
