Mal Waldron Maturity Series

Even if all series albums are released during last decade, as it often happens with Japanese releases there are very limited information about their content. I spent quite a lot time searching for that data and now have more or less detailed view. No-one of these albums is exceptional by its musical quality, but as a representative collection of Maldron last years recordings they have some attraction for artist fans. Being expensive as any Japanese release, it's still possible to find them in net,so the question is if you are ready to pay often high cost to get one. I believe more detailed info could help making right decision.

The first album in a series is tittled "Klassics" - and it's extremely unusual recording for Waldron. It contains eleven compositions of which five are Waldron's originals and the rest - Brahms,Chopin,Grieg and Bartok music! Some of classic compositions are played in usual Waldron's manner,others- almost as chamber jazz. All music is recorded by trio, Waldron's collaborators are two Japanese musicians: bassist Kengo Nakamura and vibist Yoshihiko Katori. It's a studio material, recorded in Tokyo in 1998.

Important note:  All this material was already released before on the same Tokuma label in Japan at the year when it was recorded (as Mal Waldron "Klassics" album with different cover art). Reissued in 2003 version opens "Maturity" series as "Maturity 1 : Klassics" with characteristic series cover design.