Mother Lode is the fourth studio album (fifth release overall) by singer-songwriter duo Loggins and Messina, released in late 1974. It was their final album with their original backing band, because multireedist and violinist Al Garth would soon leave the band, but multireedist Jon Clarke, bassist Larry Sims and drummer Merel Bregante remained, and saxophonist Don Roberts made his debut on this record. Future Toto keyboardist David Paich plays keyboards on this album while percussionist Milt Holland is augmented by Victor Feldman and the album was recorded on location at Jim Messina's California ranch. The Jim Messina composition "Keep Me in Mind" was sung by bassist Sims, whom Messina praised for having a phenomenal voice in a 2009 interview with Loggins for KCTS-TV.Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine:
In 2001, French duo Daft Punk, along with American producer Todd Edwards, sampled the track ''Be Free'' on their song Face To Face from their album Discovery.
Track listing All songs written and sung by Jim Messina unless otherwise indicated.
Personnel Kenny Loggins – vocals, rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, harmonica Jim Messina – vocals, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, mandolin
Loggins and Messina band Larry Sims – bass, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Keep Me in Mind" Merel Bregante – drums, timbales, backing vocals Jon Clarke – flute, oboe, bass flute, English horn, tenor saxophone, alto flute, soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass saxophone Al Garth – violin, recorder, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone, bass clarinet
Sidemen Chris Brooks – koto Milt Holland – percussion Victor Feldman – percussion David Paich – keyboards Don Roberts – flute, bass flute, tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, bass saxophone, bass clarinet, alto flute David Wallace – synthesizers
Production Producer – Jim Messina Engineers – Corey Bailey, Alex Kazanegras and Jim Messina. Technical Assistance – Lou Shatzer Recorded on location at Jim Messina's Ranch, Ojai, California using Haji Sound. Photography – Tyler Thornton Color Prints – Ted Staidle Art Direction and Design – Ron Coro Personal Management – Schiffman and Larsen Road Management – David Cieslak and Jim Recor
Charts Album – Billboard (United States) YearChartPosition1974Pop Albums81974Australia (Kent Music Report)89
Singles - Billboard (United States) YearSongPosition1975Changes841975Growin'52
References