Herbie Mann - Mellow/Hold On I'm Comin' (1977/1972)

Not a high water mark in Herbie Mann's recorded output, Mellow was released by Atlantic Records after dropping him from their roster. Made up primarily of outtakes from mid- to late-'70s recording sessions, the album sounds like the hodgepodge it is. Highlights include a take on Milton Nascimento's "Cinnamon Flower" and a lengthy version of Mann's classic "Memphis Underground," recorded at the 1977 Montreux Jazz Festival with guests Sonny Fortune, David Newman and the Brecker Brothers. The low point arrives with the opening track, a cover of Bob Marley's "Bend Down Low" left over from the Reggae sessions, in which Mann actually sings the lead vocal. - AMG (about Mellow)

This is one of the best Herbie Mann recordings and arguably his most rewarding of the 1970s. This long out of print LP features the leader/flutist, David Newman (on tenor and flute), the avant-garde guitarist Sonny Sharrock, and a fine backup rhythm section (electric pianist Pat Rebillot, bassist Andy Muson, and drummer Reggie Ferguson) stretching out on a variety of R&Bish material including "Respect Yourself," "Memphis Underground," and "Hold on, I'm Comin'." The high quality of the solos and the spirited ensembles (which were inspired by the audience at the 1972 New York Jazz Festival) make this a generally memorable session. - AMG (about Hol On, I'm Comin')

Tracks on Mellow:
1. Bend Down Low (Bob Marley) 6:51
2. Sir Charles Duke (Herbie Mann) 5:21
3. Cecelia (Paul Simon) 5:34
4. Cinnamon Flower (Milton Nascimento) 5:06
5. Memphis Underground (Herbie Mann) 17:03
6. Another Star (Stevie Wonder) 5:28

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Tracks on Hold On…
1. (Gimme Some Of That Good Old) Soul Beat Momma (Herbie Mann) 7:35
2. Never Can Say Goodbye (Clifton Davis) 4:35
3. Respect Yourself (Luther Ingram/Sir Mack Rice) 8:51
4. Memphis Underground (Herbie Mann) 13:06
5. Hold On, I'm Comin' (Isaac Hayes/David Porter) 4:07

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