A very original pianist with a brooding and searching style that was influenced by Thelonious Monk, Mal Waldron followed his own musical path throughout his career.
Whether putting together originals for Prestige jam sessions in the 1950s, working as Billie Holiday’s last accompanist, moving towards avant-garde flights in the 1960s, or playing duets with Steve Lacy, Waldron was always a valuable pianist to have around.
On this original from the 1980s, Mal Waldron teams up with the Village Vanguard with bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Ed Blackwell, two giants who also made major contributions to jazz; Blackwell’s colorful solo during the last few minutes steals the show.
-Scott Yanow
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