Mal Waldron Mal 4 (1958)

It seems strange that this, pianist Mal Waldron's seventh session as a leader, was his first with a group as small as his trio. With the assistance of bassist Addison Farmer and drummer Kenny Dennis, Waldron performs four standards and three of his moody originals. His sometimes-brooding style was already quite recognizable and his inventive use of repetition was quite impressive. This recording gives listeners a definitive look at the early style of Mal Waldron. 

Review Scott Yanow

http://www.allmusic.com/album/mal-4-trio-r149614

1. Splidium Dow

2. Like Someone In Love 

3. Get Happy

4. J.M.'s Dream Doll

5. Too Close For Comfort

6. By Myself

7. Love Span

Mal Waldron (p) Addison Farmer (b) Kenny Dennis (d)

Jackie McLean & Co Introducing Ray Draper (1957)

Although altoist Jackie McLean's Prestige recordings of the 1950s are not as significant as his Blue Notes from the '60s, he did record quite a bit of enjoyable hard bop material during this era. This CD is unusual for, in addition to a conventional quintet (with trumpeter Bill Hardman, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Doug Watkins and drummer Art Taylor), the young tuba player Ray Draper is heard on three of the five group originals. Draper played his instrument as part of the frontline rather than in the rhythm section and, even if he was not on the level of McLean and Hardman, he gives some needed color to this set. Waldron, who contributed two of the five selections (the others are by McLean, Watkins or Draper) really sets the melancholy mood for much of the music and is an important force behind the scenes. An interesting CD.

Scott Yanow

http://www.allmusic.com/album/jackie-mclean-and-co-r143545 

1.Flickers

2. Help

3. Minor Dream

4. Beau Jack

5. Mirage

Jackie McLean (as) Bill Hardman (tp) Ray Draper (tuba) Mal Waldron (p) 

Dough Watkins (b) Art Taylor (d)

Ray Draper Quintet Tuba Sounds (1957)

One of the first tuba players to lead his own recording session in a bebop setting, Ray Draper was only 16 when he recorded the music on this CD reissue, his debut. Teamed in a sextet with trumpeter Webster Young (also making his recording debut), altoist Jackie McLean, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Spanky DeBrest, and drummer Ben Dixon, Draper fits in pretty well. His solos are sometimes a touch awkward rhythmically and it takes one a little while to get used to his sound in this setting but, overall, this is a successful effort. The fairly modern sextet performs straight-ahead originals by Draper, Young, and Waldron in addition to the standard "You're My Thrill." 

Review by Scott Yanow - Allmusic.com

1. Terry Anne

2. You're My Thrill

3. Pivot

4. Jackie's Dolly

5. Mimi's Interlude

6. House Of Davis

Ray Draper (tuba) Webster Young (tp) Jackie McLean (as) Mal Waldron (p) 

Spanky DeBrest (b) Ben Dixon (d)