Record date: September 1-2, 1985
Mal’s stay in Japan in 1985 was a pretty productive one. The first record he made was a solo effort for Sony Japan. It’s his first solo record in a studio since the 1972 Paula album: ‘On Steinway’. That album contained four very interesting originals, this one consists mostly of standards and 2 Mal classics that seem to be obligated to play for Mal in Japan: All Alone and Left Alone. The result is a nice but pretty straightforward album. It’s a lovely album do some work at home to, or read a book in front of the fireplace. Not a record that strikes with surprise after surprise.
When Mal plays standards solo he mostly really play them and improvise around the theme. That means no explorations outside of the chord schemes or anything. He plays them in a very classic way with thoughtful ornamentations around some of the notes. With one exception, this album is also a ballad only album. So just be prepared to listen to some nice piano playing.
This album was reissued quite recently in 2015 and is still in print. The original is not hard to find either. If you’re looking for a very straightforward and relaxing record this is one for you. But Mal made much more exciting work solo, both live as in the studio.
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