Recorded in 1976, Earthmover is among the mostly instrumental albums that Mason provided during his stay at Arista. This self-produced LP, which finds him trying to balance commercial and creative considerations, is a mixed bag. Some of the material is strong, especially the cerebral fusion item “No Lands Man” (which boasts Jan Hammer on keyboards) and the funky “Bertha Baptist.” And the contemplative “First Summer” is an enjoyable track that reminds the listener of the underrated Hawaiian funk/fusion outfit Seawind, which isn’t surprising because it was co-written and arranged by Seawind’s Bob Wilson.
1. K.Y. And The Curb - 4:56 Arranged By [Strings] – J. Peters Bass – Keith Hatchel Electric Piano – Greg Phillinganes Guitar – Lee Ritenour, Michael McGloiry Horns – Seawind Horns Piano, Organ – Paul Smith (86) Trombone – Bruce Fowler , Sally Mason Trumpet – Kenny Mason Vocals – Harvey Mason, Jerry Hey, Kenny Mason Written-By – H. Mason, J. Peters
2. Sho Nuff Groove - 3:56 Arranged By [Horns] – Seawind Arranged By [Vocals] – H. Mason Backing Vocals – Merry Clayton Backing Vocals [Additional] – Louis Johnson Bass, Guitar – Louis Johnson Horns – Seawind Horns Lead Vocals – Harvey Mason Piano, Electric Piano – Greg Phillinganes Trombone – Bruce Fowler Written-By – H. Mason, L. Johnson
3. The Mase - 4:10 Bass – Keith Hatchel Electric Piano – Greg Phillinganes Guitar – Michael McGloiry, Ray Parker Horns – Seawind Horns Piano, Organ – Paul Smith (86) Strings [String Ensemble] – Harvey Jay "Hoppy" Mason Synthesizer – Ian Underwood, Jerry Peters, Kenny Mason Trombone – Bruce Fowler , Sally Mason Trumpet – Kenny Mason Written-By, Arranged by: H. Mason
4. Sweet Mercy - 5:49 Arranged by: H. Mason Arranged By [Vocals] – J. Peters Backing Vocals – Harvey Mason, Jerry Peters, Merry Clayton Bass – Keith Hatchel Electric Piano – Greg Phillinganes Guitar – Michael McGloiry Piano, Organ – Paul Smith (86) Piano [Additional] – Jerry Peters Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone – Ernie Watts Written-By – H. Mason, J. Peters
5. Earthmover Prelude - 0:57 Arco Bass – Kenny Wild Piano – Patrice Rushen Synthesizer – Ian Underwood Timpani [Tympani], Chimes – Harvey Mason Written-By, Arranged by: H. Mason
6. Bertha Baptist - 5:43 Arranged by: H. Mason Bass – Anthony Jackson Electric Guitar – Lee Ritenour Electric Piano, Piano – Patrice Rushen Horns – Seawind Horns Trombone – Bruce Fowler Written-By – S. James
7. First Summer - 6:10 Arranged by: B. Wilson Bass – Anthony Jackson Electric Piano, Piano – Larry Williams Horns – Seawind Horns Trombone – Bruce Fowler , Sally Mason Trumpet – Kenny Mason Vibraphone [Vibes], Timpani [Tympani], Bells [Orchestra Bells], Wind Chimes – Harvey Mason Written-By – B. Wilson, H. Mason
8. No Lands Man - 4:22 Bass – Anthony Jackson Drums – Harvey Mason Synthesizer [Mini Moog] – Jan Hammer Written-By – J. Hammer
9. When I'm With You (Live Version) - 4:25 Bass – James Jamerson Electric Piano – Greg Phillinganes Guitar – Mike Simbello, Ray Parker Horns – Seawind Horns Trombone – Bruce Fowler , Sally Mason Trumpet – Kenny Mason Written-By, Arranged by: K. Mason
