(1995) Maturity 3: Dual ****

 

With: Mal Waldron (piano), Takeo Moriyama (drums)
Record date: August 20, 1995

The same day that they recorded 'Bit', they also made this record. 4 days after his birthday Mal teamed up with Japanese drummer Takeo Moriyama and played two long sessions in Studio F with a live audience present. The 'Bit' record was already rated highly by me, and this third part of the Maturity series is also very interesting.

Just like the 'Bit' record this was recorded as a suite. But here the tracks are partitioned in 7 parts. Yet every composition flows over in another one. All the music was improvised on the spot and that leads to some very exciting and creative music. Both Mal as Takeo play on a high level of energy here and the music is pretty intense here and there. Though Mal became a little milder in sound in the 1990's this is a pretty good example of his capabilitly to explore more free territories. His attack is highly percussive and he uses big clusters of notes here and there. But the music still sounds set in structures as from the improvisations, there are still themes in the music that Mal regularly visits. And part from the high energy parts there are also some beautiful calmer bits in the music that are of equal interest.

Just like the other Dan release the music here is all about the interaction between drummer and pianist. And Mal and Takeo really feel each other and are able to communicate in an almost telepathic way. Also Moriyama is a very pleasant drummer to listen to as he works his ass of but still in no way tries to overrule Mal. He's a very balanced player, never too loud but definitely not in de background only. He just adds the right things to Mal's lead. This was an excellent duo.

This record was released in 1996 for the first time by Dan or Tokuma Japan. It was made part of the Maturity series in 2003. I can't speak for the 1996 release but the Maturity is beautiful. It's warm and balanced in sound and the photographs in the booklet are truly beautiful. Of all the Maturity releases this one seems to be avaible a little better. Highly recommended music and perhaps a good introduction to the more rare 'Bit' which is even better.