Record date: March 11 to 15, 1985
From the year 1983 Mal would regularly accompany female jazz vocalists. He did quite a few times with different Italian singers: Femi Bellomo, Danila Satragno, Tiziana Ghiglioni and Tiziana Simona. Mal had a few countries he visited very often and Italy, also on of his first European residences for a small time, was one of them where he also recorded quite a lot records. Of course he also had a pretty long association with the great Italian Soul Note label. For this session, Mal plays with an all Italian band including Roberto Ottaviano which whom he would later record a duo album for DIW.
There they are again: vocals…. I have to admit that contrary to Yoseyama, Femi Bellomo could actually sing. But do I like her voice? Nah I really don’t. It’s loud and in you’re face. She’s at her best on Mal’s Seagull’s where she sings with a more gentle approach. The band is pretty much okay but as with most of the vocal albums, hasn’t really got the opportunity to actually show off. Ottoviano is a pretty good player but a bit too smooth for my taste at times. He's definitely more interesting on the duo album he recorded with Mal. Mal’s own role is pretty modest too. He does really make clear again why is so much in favor by vocals. His timing is just incredible and so steady.
There’s only one issue released: the original Dire LP from 1985. I really think the sound quality is really bad for a studio record from that time. It sounds hollow with lot’s of echoing especially on Bellomo’s singing. Ottaviano’s soprano sounds like it's doubled times. Very weird. An interesting recording if you like vocal jazz and Mal Waldron. If you don’t really feel for that kinda thing you could skip without hesitation.
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