Mal Waldron: Fire Waltz

The fire on this, the original recording of one of the pianists most enduring original compositions, emanates primarily from Booker Ervins potently keening tenor saxophone. Waldrons own short solo typifies his style: insistent and blues-tinged, sprinkled with note clusters inspired by Monks example but sounding like no one but Waldron himself. The other two soloists are Carter, whose cello playing here sounds undisciplined compared to his work on the piccolo bass in later decades, and bassist Benjamin, who turns in a competent, if not brilliant effort. Theres no Dolphy solo here, but he would make up for it the following month with his classic live rendition of the piece captured at New Yorks Five Spot.