Mal-1

Mal-1 is the debut album by the jazz pianist and composer Mal Waldron. It was released through Prestige Records in May 1957. It was recorded in November 1956.

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

 * 1) "Stablemates" (Benny Golson) – 4:51
 * 2) "Yesterdays" (Otto Harbach, Jerome Kern) – 7:47
 * 3) "Transfiguration" (Lee Sears = Gigi Gryce) – 7:17
 * 4) "Bud Study" – 5:48 (Mal Waldron)
 * 5) "Dee's Dilemma" – 6:58 (Mal Waldron)
 * 6) "Shome" (Idrees Sulieman) – 5:07
 * Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey on November 9, 1956.

Personnel

 * Mal Waldron – piano
 * Idrees Sulieman – trumpet
 * Gigi Gryce – alto saxophone
 * Julian Euell – bass
 * Arthur Edgehill – drums