Product Description

Profile: Jazz/Soul vocalist, pianist & songwriter, Mala Waldron has a style that’s intimate, compelling and overall positive. She manages to merge her many musical influences into a sound that’s rooted in the jazz tradition, yet branches out into other genres. The result is a kind of “soul music that swings.” Highlights of "Always There" include the artist’s explosive arrangement of “Light My Fire” which goes from simmering to blazing at the finish. There are two deeply moving ballads, both in ¾ meter. “Proud Lion” written by the artist for her father, jazz pianist/composer, Mal Waldron, is performed with great emotion in duo with drummer/percussionist, Michael T.A. Thompson. The title track, “Always There,” has a blues/gospel feel and features one of the CD’s many standout guitar solos by Steve Salerno. “Whispers in the Wind” and “Too Good For Words” are tracks that both swing and groove, providing a platform for solos by Waldron on electric piano and Salerno on guitar. “Ellie” is a high-energy samba that features Mala singing an engaging scatted melody, solos by the entire unit, and climaxing with a dynamic drum solo by Thompson. “I Do Remember You” is a lovely samba in a moderate tempo that sets a mood reminiscent of being on a beach at sunset. “Because of You” is a love song that changes in tone throughout the tune. Waldron seems to have a knack for tying different genres together in a way that flows naturally. The song begins with a verse that moderately sways. Then the chorus uplifts with a kind of shuffle beat that makes you think of someone skipping along as if in the throes of new love. This track also features a beautiful acoustic bass solo by Miriam Sullivan that truly captures the essence of the tune. “Maybe It’s Not So” is an up-tempo, funky track with traces of a Latin influence. It provides the perfect contrast needed following the more intense, “Proud Lion,” and ends the CD on a very positive, joyful note.

Track Listing

1. Whispers in the Wind
2. Because of You
3. Always There
4. Too Good For Words
5. I Do Remember You
6. Ellie
7. Why (when I say goodbye)
8. Can't Stop Thinking About You
9. Light My Fire
10. Proud Lion
11. Maybe It's Not So

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #386322 in Music
• Released on: 2006-03-27
• Number of discs: 1

Review
"...Mala's vocalise smiles back at you poignantly ... she seems to interpret the vocal tradition in her singular & unique style..." --George W. Carroll, Ejazznews.com, March 10, 2006

Review
"...gifted Mala Waldron (piano) traverses the jazz terrain, from straight ahead to more experimental fare, with ease, inspiration and inventiveness..." --Bryan Zoran, Staff Writer Jazzreview.com, May 11, 2005

Jon Sobel, Blogcritics.org - Indie Round-up
"...a knockout on both piano and vocals..."

Customer Reviews

Always There
Mala Waldron's latest release "Always There" is honest, straightforward, pure music. CDs like this are rare, uncommon and worthy of high distinction. In a world filled with gimmicky hook-laden pop music and predictable watered-down pseudo-jazz, Mala shatters the mold with her sincere and honest blend that clearly has been shaped by not only her vast musical influences but also her life experiences. The singer, songwriter and pianist masterfully conveys heartfelt and passionate feelings all the while sharing the soundstage with her very well accomplished musical team including Miriam Sullivan on acoustic bass, Steve Salerno on guitar and Michael `T.A.' Thompson on drums/percussion. Mala digs not only into the soulful sounds of Jazz and R&B but also into her own deep emotional mind. On this CD Mala takes the listener on a journey through the mystic waters of lies, love, loneliness and longing. "Always There" is appropriately titled, as it will have a permanent home Always There as a CD I'll play and enjoy over and over again.

--Radio Cremata