Album Liner Notes
Tvær Systur
Tvær Systur is one of the most geographically unusual entries in Jeff Berlin's credits from this period: an Icelandic release tracked across studios in Los Angeles and Reykjavik, with Jeff sharing bass duties rather than holding an exclusive chair.
Overview
The key archival point is the bass credit split. Jeff is clearly part of the album's core lineup, but Discogs and Sessiondays both credit two bassists, so this page should reflect shared credit rather than imply a one-bassist record.
Stylistically, the record sits in that early-1980s fusion pocket where LA session precision meets Nordic composer-led writing. Magnússon's keyboard-centered writing keeps the album coherent while the rhythm section shifts color track to track.
Because the credits include both US and Icelandic studio teams, this album also shows how international Jeff's sideman timeline had become by 1982, even on a release that remained relatively niche outside collector circles.
Quick Snapshot
- Released in 1982 in Iceland on Steinar (catalog 057), later circulated in some markets under the alternate title 'Time Zone.'
- The album contains seven Jakob Magnússon compositions in a jazz-fusion/jazz-rock frame.
- Personnel credits list Jeff Berlin and Steve Anderson both on bass, with Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Mike Landau on guitar, Steve Tavaglione on saxophone, and Michael Fisher on percussion.
Shared-bass credit documented
Jeff Berlin and Steve Anderson are both credited on bass, making this a split-credit rather than sole-bassist appearance.
Strong fusion personnel
Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Landau, Steve Tavaglione, and Michael Fisher place the session in top-tier early-1980s fusion company.
Iceland-LA production footprint
Recording credits span LA Studios/Excalibur and multiple Reykjavik studios, reflecting a cross-regional production process.
Listen For
Vínland'ið Góða
The opener immediately sets the keyboard-led fusion tone and introduces the album's transatlantic session identity.
Tvær Systur
The title track is the clearest compact statement of Magnússon's writing style on the record.
Fitlað Við Fimbulorgan
A strong closer that leans into the record's playful synth-era edge while keeping the rhythm section tight.
Track Listing
- A1. Vínland'ið Góða — 4:42
- A2. Tvær Systur — 3:27
- A3. Fingrarím — 5:06
- B1. Teflt Í Morgunsárið — 3:31
- B2. Bréf Til Ömmu — 5:15
- B3. Rauðará — 3:54
- B4. Fitlað Við Fimbulorgan — 3:42
Musicians
- Jakob Magnússon: keyboards
- Jeff Berlin: bass (shared album bass credit)
- Steve Anderson: bass (shared album bass credit)
- Vinnie Colaiuta: drums
- Mike Landau: guitar
- Steve Tavaglione: saxophone
- Michael Fisher: percussion
Technical Credits
- Producer: Jakob Magnússon
- Recording engineers: Patrick McDonald, Heyward Collins, Gunnar Smári Helgason, Julius Agnarsson, Jónas R. Jónsson
- Recorded at LA Studios and Excalibur Studios (Los Angeles)
- Recorded at Grettisgat, Stemma, and Hljóðriti (Iceland)
- Original release: Steinar 057 (Iceland, 1982)