Album Liner Notes
Mixed Roots
Mixed Roots is Al Foster stepping into leader territory with a record that still carries some Miles-adjacent DNA. The Teo Macero production credit matters immediately, but so does the personnel split: Jeff Berlin opens the album, then the bass chair rotates to T.M. Stevens and Ron McClure as the session changes shape.
Overview
This album matters because it puts Jeff inside a drummer-led record with a very specific late-1970s electric-jazz identity. Al Foster is not just any bandleader here; he is one of the defining drummers from Miles Davis's electric period, and Mixed Roots sounds like somebody translating that energy into his own session.
Jeff's contribution is concentrated but important. He is on the first two tracks, which means the opening impression of the album is partially his. That makes Mixed Roots another good comparison record: Jeff starts the program, then the session pivots to T.M. Stevens and finally Ron McClure.
The rest of the room is strong enough to keep the record from drifting into generic fusion. Michael Brecker is all over it, Bob Mintzer and Sam Morrison appear on soprano, Masabumi Kikuchi handles most of the keyboards, and Paul Metzke's guitar gives the record an edge that fits Foster's drumming.
Quick Snapshot
- Released in 1978, Mixed Roots is a seven-track studio album recorded at CBS Studios in New York.
- Jeff Berlin plays bass on 'Mixed Roots' and 'Ya'Damn Right', while T.M. Stevens takes tracks 3 through 6 and Ron McClure plays the closer.
- Teo Macero produced the album, Frank Laico handled the original recording, and Russ Payne is credited for the remix.
Teo Macero production
Macero's name ties the record directly to the larger Miles electric-world lineage around Al Foster.
Jeff opens the album
Berlin plays the first two tracks, which means the record's opening sound is partly built on his bass work.
A dedication to Miles
'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde' is dedicated to Miles Davis and should be treated that way in the liner notes.
Listen For
Mixed Roots
Jeff's first track on the album comes with Bob Mintzer, Michael Brecker, Masabumi Kikuchi, Paul Metzke, and Foster, which sets the electric-jazz frame fast.
Ya'Damn Right
Jeff's second and final track is darker and more driving, and it is the clearest place to hear him anchor Foster's concept before the bass chair changes.
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
The Miles dedication matters. It makes the track more than a title; it turns it into an explicit nod toward the musical world Foster came out of.
Track Listing
- 1. Mixed Roots — 6:56
- 2. Ya'Damn Right — 5:29
- 3. Pauletta — 6:28
- 4. Double Stuff — 7:51
- 5. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde — 7:47
- 6. El Cielo Verde — 4:28
- 7. Soft Distant — 7:08
Musicians
- Al Foster: drums, piano on track 4
- Jeff Berlin: electric bass on tracks 1 and 2
- T.M. Stevens: electric bass on tracks 3 to 6
- Ron McClure: acoustic bass on track 7
- Masabumi Kikuchi: piano on tracks 1 to 6
- Teo Macero: piano on track 7
- Paul Metzke: guitar on tracks 1 to 3 and 5 to 7
- Michael Brecker: tenor saxophone on tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7; soprano saxophone on tracks 3 and 6
- Bob Mintzer: soprano saxophone on tracks 1 and 2
- Sam Morrison: soprano saxophone on tracks 5 and 6
- Jim Clouse: flute on track 3; alto saxophone on track 5
Technical Credits
- Producer: Teo Macero
- Recording engineer: Frank Laico
- Remix engineer: Russ Payne
- Recorded at CBS Studios, New York City
- Cover art design: Teruhisa Tajima on the documented reissue
- Back-cover photography: Shigeo Anzai on the documented reissue
Liner Notes Details
"Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" is dedicated to Miles Davis.