Pianist Mal Waldron left us in 2002, and most jazz fans either never heard of him or forgot about him. He was Billie Holiday’s last pianist as well as a hard bopper in the 1950s, cutting some cooking sessions with the likes of John Coltrane before teaming up with saxist Steve Lacy for some wonderful duet recordings in the 1980s. His touch was unique-spacious, dark and stark and yet he could swing with the best.
This two cd set finds him (mostly) in a series of trio settings, which is his best feature. A 1958 team of Addison Farmer/b and Kenny Dennis/b stretch out on a suave “Too Close For Comfort” which features the two partners, while you get long shadows on “Like Someone In Love.” The 1959 session has “Tootie” Heath taking over on drums for an intriguing 3 part “Overseas Suite” that is both lyrical and dynamic. Maldron’s touch on the intro to “All The Way” is truly haunting before turning into the thoughtful theme. The 1960 session includes guest Jackie McLean blowing bright on “Left Alone” before Waldron again goes into darkest West Africa on the intro to “Airegin.” He shows his bop credentials throughout, most notably on the nimble “Catwalk” and frenetic “Get Happy.” This exciting and rewarding set ends with an interview with Waldron where he talks about his days with Holiday. Get to know this guy.
Fresh Sound Records