Record date: September 16, 1986
This is the second (or the first) set of that wonderful night At The Village Vanguard. A place where so much essential and groundbreaking jazz has been recorded. From Coltrane to Bill Evans. And from Sonny to…. Mal Waldron. Of course this review will not be as long as the one for ‘Seagulls’ as it is the same session but there’s still some left to tell.
This second album is almost as good as the Seagulls album. Really, it’s a very close call and probably a very personal matter: a matter of taste. This shorter album starts with a true Mal classic that he has not played since it’s record date in 1961 (at least not on record). Status Seeking is from his classic ‘The Quest’ album. One of my very favorite pre 1964 albums by Mal with the great Eric Dolphy on reeds and flute. Now this version misses those famous outbursts by Dolphy but the tension is probably even higher. Mal starts building that tension with that very dark walking theme, building it up till it’s finally released by a great solo from Rouse. Both Rouse and Shaw again really take it away but it’s Workman again with that hard swinging groove that really gives it the final touch. Blackwell’s solo is also great with a march like feeling focussing on his snare drum. The Git Go is also a Waldron composition which has been played before by this very same group. It’s first appearance was on a Klaus Weiss record with Cecil Bridgewater and the great Billy Harper in 1975 on MPS. Mal has played it on several occasions and made two records as a member of Weiss’ band which will be reviewed later. It’s a very moody original with plenty of space for the bassist to work with. It's really some more proof that Workman was truly one of jazz' most innovative and original bass players.
Just like with most Soul Note albums this one is not very hard to find. This was one of the best live sessions by Mal Waldron ever. Both albums are essential stuff, not only for Waldron fans but for any serious jazz fan.
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