Mal-1 is the debut album by American jazz pianist Mal Waldron. It was recorded in November 1956 and released on the Prestige label in May 1957.
Reception
A contemporaneous review by John S. Wilson stated that trumpeter Idrees Sulieman and alto saxophonist Gigi Gryce "play unusually well while Waldron contributes several provocative compositions and arrangements (especially a version of Yesterdays that is a remarkably interesting rewriting of a real warhorse) and plays with typically dark, warm charm". The Allmusic review by Jim Todd awarded the album 4 stars, stating "Mal Waldron's recording debut as a leader presents the pianist with his many gifts already well developed".
Track listing
"Stablemates" (Benny Golson) – 4:51
"Yesterdays" (Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern) – 7:47
"Transfiguration" (Lee Sears = Gigi Gryce) – 7:17
"Bud Study" – 5:48 (Mal Waldron) "Dee's Dilemma" – 6:58 (Mal Waldron) "Shome" (Idrees Sulieman) – 5:07 Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey on November 9, 1956.