Here is a trio masterpiece from one of my favorite pianists in jazz. I love Maldrons dark flavored and rhythmically distinct playing. It’s truly unique. I’m loving his later career and this title is just one of many outstanding sessions from that period. Not entirely easy to find his Enja recordings. Glad to have acquired this superb sounding copy.
Waldron is joined by two top side men in Reggie Workman and Billy Higgins on this session. Also, on the second tune of side 1 we have Carla Poole joining in on flute, which really adds something extra. Wonderful flautist.
The album consists of four lenghty Waldron originals. The interplay between the members is brilliant. Everything feels interconnected and executed in a sensitive and thoughtful way. Quite explorative at times which I love. What I really dig in Waldrons later work is his choice of chords in the lower bass register of the piano and his rhythmically potent style, together with his repetitive notes and passages. It’s quite meditative and soothing to listen to his playing, and all the while it’s edgy and keeps you engaged and attentive to his every note. Not many pianists in jazz has that affect on me.
It’s a new year, hopefully full of new discoveries.
