Album Liner Notes
Mellow
Mellow is not a single-session band album. It compiles material recorded in Jamaica, New York, and at Montreux, which is exactly why Jeff Berlin's role has to be stated precisely: he appears on one track, not across the full record.
Overview
This entry matters because it is easy to overread the Jeff Berlin credit. He is part of the album's most expansive cut, but the record itself is a patchwork of sessions with changing lineups and locations.
The Jeff track is substantial: 'Memphis Underground' runs 17:01 and was recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival in July 1977, with a large guest-heavy ensemble that includes Steve Jordan, Richard Tee, Sonny Fortune, the Brecker brothers, and others.
Framed this way, Mellow sits as an archival bridge release in Mann's discography rather than a unified 1981 studio date. The value for this site is mapping exactly where Jeff enters that frame.
Quick Snapshot
- Released in 1981 on Atlantic (catalog SD 16046), with a total runtime listed at 45:14.
- The six-track program combines covers ('Bend Down Low,' 'Cecelia,' 'Another Star') with Mann-associated repertoire such as 'Memphis Underground.'
- Track-by-track personnel in Warner Music Japan notes place Jeff Berlin only on the 17-minute live version of 'Memphis Underground.'
Jeff on one key track
Berlin is credited in the personnel for 'Memphis Underground' only, not for the full six-track album.
Multi-source assembly
The record combines material from Jamaica, New York sessions, and a Montreux 1977 live recording.
Montreux all-star lineup
The Jeff track pairs him with Steve Jordan, Richard Tee, Sonny Fortune, Michael and Randy Brecker, David Newman, and others.
Listen For
Bend Down Low
Opens the set with Mann on flute and lead vocal, signaling the record's crossover-pop direction.
Cinnamon Flower
A concise mid-program change of color before the album pivots into its long-form centerpiece.
Memphis Underground
The 17-minute Montreux performance is Jeff Berlin's documented appearance on the album and the main reason this title belongs in his timeline.
Track Listing
- 1. Bend Down Low — 6:49
- 2. Sir Charles Duke — 5:19
- 3. Cecelia — 5:32
- 4. Cinnamon Flower — 5:04
- 5. Memphis Underground — 17:01
- 6. Another Star — 5:29
Musicians
- Herbie Mann: flute (and lead vocal on track 1)
- Jeff Berlin: bass on track 5 ('Memphis Underground')
- Steve Jordan: drums on tracks 4 and 5
- Richard Tee: keyboards on tracks 2 and 5
- Sonny Fortune: alto saxophone on track 5
- Michael Brecker, David Newman: tenor saxophone on track 5
- Randy Brecker: trumpet on track 5
- Larry Coryell, Jim Mullen: guitar on track 5
Technical Credits
- Album release: Atlantic SD 16046 (1981)
- Track 1 recorded in Jamaica
- Tracks 2, 4, and 6 recorded in New York
- Track 3 recorded in Jamaica
- Track 5 recorded live at Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland, July 1977
- AllMusic documents the album as a 1981 release assembled from mid- to late-1970s sessions