Search - Mal Waldron :: Black Glory

An essential album

Gazzelloni | Cincinnati, OH USA | 05/31/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"One of Waldron's earlier outings for the Enja label, Black Glory has him walking the tightrope between jazz avant-garde and hard bop. All five selections are original compositions by Mal, who is accompanied by Jimmy Woode on bass and Pierre favre on drums. Definitely one of the more essential albums of Waldron for fans to own."

One of the GREATEST trio Lp's ever

C. Katz | Peoples Republic Of Massachussettes | 09/15/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Know that this is a strong statement but take a chance if you are a fan of Waldon's and don't have this.To me this is as essential a anything in his catalogue including early Prestige,his Soul Note,East-West,or other Enja recordings.I put this along his classic "The Quest" LP.What is most amazing is the contribution of Jimmy Woode.Here is a guy who joined Basie's band in the 50's and 20 years latter had a style that could match any younger contemporaries in "Getting Down with It" like, say, Jimmy Garrison.Amazing.Latter he was in great bands like Nathan Davis's "Paris Reunion Band".The songs are in that rounded angular mode that was pure Mal and here accessible and truly beautiful.A girlfriend of mine who wasn't terribly hip to jazz but played piano and bass said she liked most among my jazz LP's,that there were elements that reminded her of "Bach to Schoenberg with a Hendrix Feedom to it".I barely remember her face but I remember that quote.I think if I had to keep only three trio LP's I'd Keep Wynton Kelly's self titled on Vee-Jay,"Everybody Digs Bill Evans" and this gem.GET IT!!!!!"