Born in New York City, his jazz work was chiefly in the hard bop, post-bop and free jazz genres. He is known for his distinctive chord voicings and adaptable style, which was originally inspired by the playing of Thelonious Monk.
After obtaining a B.A. in music from Queen's College, New York, he worked in New York City in the early 1950s with Ike Quebec, "Big" Nick Nicholas, and rhythm and blues groups. He worked frequently with Charles Mingus from 1954 to 1956 and was Billie Holiday's regular accompanist from 1957 until her death in 1959. He also supervised recording sessions for Prestige Records, for which he provided arrangements and compositions (including the jazz standard "Soul Eyes"). After Holiday's death he chiefly led his own groups.
Waldron had a unique playing style. He played chords in a lower bass part of the keyboard, and is comparable to Bud Powell in his dissonant voices. His solo style is in noted contrast to players like Red Garland.
He was frequently recorded, both as a leader and sideman, with, among others, John Coltrane, Eric Dolphy, Clifford Jordan, Booker Little, Steve Lacy, Jackie McLean and Archie Shepp.
Besides performing he composed for films (The Cool World, Three Bedrooms In Manhattan and Sweet Love Bitter), theatre, and ballet. In 1963 he had a major nervous breakdown, and had to re-learn his skills, apparently by listening to his own records. Waldron's playing style re-emerged more brooding, starker and percussive, combining bebop and avant-garde melodies, and at times weaving repetitive melodic motifs using just a few notes over a drone like accompaniment figure. After working on a film score in Europe he moved there permanently in 1965 initially living in Munich, Germany and in his last years he was based in Brussels, Belgium. On the principle that working at local venues reduced his fee, he avoided playing in the city in which he lived. He regularly returned to the United States for bookings.
Through the 1980s and 1990s he worked in various settings with Steve Lacy, notably in soprano-piano duets playing their own compositions as well as Monk's.
After some years of indifferent health, though continuing to perform, Waldron died in December 2002 in Brussels, Belgium.
Body & Soul
Mal Waldron Lyrics
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For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul
I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I tell you I mean it
I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance
Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for the very taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
In the song "Body & Soul" by Mal Waldron, the lyrics express deep feelings of sadness, longing, and devotion towards someone. The singer's heart is filled with sadness and loneliness, longing for the person they address exclusively. The repeated line, "For you I sigh, for you dear only," emphasizes the intensity of the singer's emotions and their exclusive focus on the person they desire.
The lyrics question why the person has not noticed the singer's feelings. In stating, "Why haven't you seen it," the singer implies that their affection should be apparent to the recipient. This line adds a touch of frustration and confusion, as the singer seems puzzled by the fact that their feelings have gone unnoticed.
The phrase "I'm all for you body and soul" indicates that the singer is completely devoted to the person they address. The choice of words emphasizes their unconditional love and willingness to give themselves entirely to this person. It showcases a deep level of vulnerability and an urge for reciprocation.
The lyrics further delve into the singer's emotional state, describing how they spend their days in longing and wondering why the person is mistreating them. The repetition of "I tell you I mean it, I'm all for you body and soul" reinforces their sincerity and unwavering commitment. There is a plea for the person to recognize and understand the depths of their emotions before it leads to a potentially resentful ending.
Lastly, the lyrics express the singer's willingness to suffer for the sake of love. They describe their life as a wreck, acknowledging the destructive impact that the person's absence or indifference has on them. Despite this, they reaffirm their availability and dedication by saying, "You know I'm yours for just the taking, I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul." This line again reiterates their complete surrender to the person, indicating their willingness to give up everything they have to make the relationship work.
Overall, the lyrics of "Body & Soul" portray a deep yearning, devotion, and vulnerability on the part of the singer. They express their emotional turmoil and desire for reciprocated love, ultimately offering themselves completely to the person they address.
Line by Line Meaning
My heart is sad and lonely
I am filled with deep sadness and loneliness
For you I sigh, for you dear only
I long for you and nobody else
Why haven't you seen it
Why haven't you recognized my love for you?
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you with my entire being
I spend my days in longing
Each day I am consumed by desire and yearning
And wondering why it's me you're wronging
I cannot understand why you are treating me unfairly
I tell you I mean it
I assure you, my feelings are sincere
I'm all for you body and soul
I am completely devoted to you with my entire being
I can't believe it
I find it difficult to accept
It's hard to conceive it
It is challenging to comprehend
That you'd turn away romance
That you would reject love and affection
Are you pretending
Are you pretending to not feel the same way?
It looks like the ending
It seems like our relationship is coming to an end
Unless I could have just one more chance to prove, dear
Unless you give me the opportunity to demonstrate my love once again, my love
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing my life to fall apart and be in chaos
You know I'm yours for just the taking
You are aware that I am completely at your disposal
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give myself to you, both physically and emotionally
My life a wreck you're making
You are causing my life to fall apart and be in chaos
You know I'm yours for the very taking
You are aware that I am completely at your disposal
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul
I would willingly give myself to you, both physically and emotionally
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Paul Michael Barry, Phil Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind