Jazz Articles about Mala Waldron

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Mala Waldron: Always There

by Jim Santella
July 3, 2006

The soulful originals on Always There allow Mala Waldron to communicate emotionally, while her genius at the piano and keyboards allows her to communicate musically. The two modes overlap, of course, as she interprets lyrics and scats with authority.

Working with a bright, stellar quartet, Waldron combines straight-ahead jazz, pop, R&B and soulful ballads in one program. Both bass and guitar provide her with solid solo work, while the entire ensemble cooks with a cohesive slant throughout.

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Mala Waldron: Always There

by Michael P. Gladstone
April 12, 2006

My first reaction to this new album from the daughter of jazz pianist/composer/bandleader Mal Waldron was that it was a R&B/smooth jazz entry. But after a second listen, I was able to find a few reasons to get it over towards the jazz side of town. Mala Waldron has plenty of formal jazz training, having studied with Makanda Ken McIntyre at the State University of New York/College at Old Westbury. She also pursued vocal studies with Amina Claudine Myers, percussion ...

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Mala Waldron: Always There

by Ernest Barteldes
April 11, 2006

When you hear Mala Waldron's soulful voice on Always There, you realize that you are experiencing something very special, for Waldron is not only an accomplished vocalist and songwriter, but also a fine pianist who hits the keys with great precision, bringing various musical influences into the jazz realm.

On the romantic “Because of You," which speaks of the happiness that Waldron has encountered with a special someone, bassist Miriam Sullivan performs a beautiful solo halfway through and also provides ...