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

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic
The Penguin Guide to Jazz

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 stated, "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 Van Gelder Studio in Hackensack, New Jersey, on November 9, 1956.

Personnel