A bold musical statement from Mal Waldron – one of
his strongest efforts from
his European time of the 70s, thanks to some great help from strong hornmen on the set! Half the session features Waldron in introspective solo mode, as recorded often at the time – but the rest of the album features work by a bold sextet that includes Steve Lacy on soprano sax,
Terumasa Hino on cornet, and Hermann Breuer on trombone. These
group tracks are all quite long, and although free at times, have a focus and energy that's not only uncommon for Waldron in the period – but also for Lacy, who wasn't often working in such a style.
Terumasa Hino's horn, as usual, is a strongly punctuating force on the set – and
group titles include "Minoat", "Sieg Haile", and "A Case Of Plus 4s". Solo numbers include "Anxiety", "Lonely", and "Happiness" – all quite nice numbers, just a bit gentler and more introspective.
(US pressing on Inner City. Cover has wear and a small sticker spot. Labels have sticker remnants.)