“Rock My Soul” is the longest track on the album, and its most scintillating. “1-3-234” is grittier and displays a frenetic bebop intensity. Again, the rhythmic commitment (including a two-chord vamp) moves the number. Waldron’s atmospheric technique involves trills and includes melodic inflection as the trio unite in a loping tempo. Switching gears, “Balladina” is at times, quasi-atonal with an aura of darkness.
#ECM RECORDS FULL#
Drummer Clarence Becton slides in with deft cymbal work, and eventually incorporates the full drum kit. Double bassist Isla Eckinger unfurls an extended solo run that maneuvers from prominent licks to hushed tones. There is a shift to an accelerated 3/4 time signature with Waldron adding pulse-driven piano accents, unlike typical jazz solos. This ten-minute jam exerts a droning pulse with left-hand repeat and right hand chords. In this album, rhythmic pretext is at the core of the music. He bemoans the generally misused context of this genre. As described by first person in the liner notes, Waldron is experimenting with “free jazz’ conceptual imagery. It is an opportunity to revisit an influential jazz artist in transition.
#ECM RECORDS FREE#
The 1969 album, Free At Last introduced a second phase of Mal Waldron and a trend-setting jazz label.ĮCM Records has released an updated 180-gram vinyl of Mal Waldron Trio Free At Last Extended Edition. In 1967, he moved to Munich and formed a trio with Swiss double bassist Isla Eckinger and American dummer Clarence Becton. After a life-threatening breakdown in 1963, Waldron joined an elite group of jazz musicians who resumed their careers in Europe. He was involved with cooperative efforts in poetry and painting. Waldron was also known for his stint as Billie Holiday’s musical director and accompanist. He worked with John Coltrane, Jackie McLean, Kenny Burrell, Art Farmer and many others. Waldron was renowned for being the house arranger, composer and pianist at Prestige Records. A new German label ECM Records was partnering with jazz pianist Mal Waldron in a prestigious debut.
In the myriad evolution of 1969 jazz, there was a pioneering moment.
(Mal Waldron – piano Isla Eckinger – double bass Clarence Becton – drums) Mal Waldron Trio – Free At Last Extended Edition – ECM Records ECM 1001 7798632 (1969/2109) 180-gram stereo double vinyl with full-sized 12-page booklet, 69:27 ****1/2:
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