This was Mal Waldron’s last known recording, completed in two days in October, 2001, the year before his death. Born in NYC, Waldron’s work was chiefly in the hard bop, post-bop and free jazz. Known for his distinctive voicings and adaptable style (originally inspired by Monk, he’s also closely associated in jazz history with Billie Holiday. David Murray’s oeuvre is impressive both from a “cutting edge” standpoint as well as for its regard for the past. After recordings with Elvin Jones, Pharoah Sanders, and Cedar Walton, it makes perfect sense to collaborate with Mal Waldron, as he strode both the avant garde world and jazz’s rich history.