Albums
up popped the devil - mal waldron

Mal Waldron - Up Popped the Devil (LP)

Name: Mal Waldron - Up Popped the Devil (LP)
Brand: Mal Waldron
SKU: 0FjULNIxmeqk60NrxKpZli
Rating: 4 (2 reviews)

Mal Waldron

LP
1 piece(s)
1974
4 tracks
47 min
hard bop

Up Popped the Devil

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Product description

Dive into the vibrant world of jazz with Mal Waldron's "Up Popped the Devil," a captivating album that showcases the pianist's mastery and innovative spirit. Recorded in 1973 and released in 1974, this record is a testament to Waldron's unique blend of hard bop, free jazz, and jazz blues, making it a standout in his discography. The album features a stellar lineup, with Reggie Workman on bass and Billy Higgins on drums, creating a powerful rhythmic foundation that propels Waldron's intricate piano work.

"Up Popped the Devil" is a journey through four dynamic tracks: the title track "Up Popped the Devil," the exploratory "Space Walk," the sultry "Snake Out," and the playful "Changachangachanga." Each composition is a testament to Waldron's compositional prowess and improvisational skills, offering a rich tapestry of sounds that keep the listener engaged from start to finish. The album was recorded at Studio Warp in NYC, capturing the raw energy and creativity of the session.

This 47-minute album, originally released on the Enja label, is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Waldron's distinctive style, characterized by his complex harmonies and rhythmic intricacy, is on full display, making "Up Popped the Devil" a timeless addition to any jazz collection. The inclusion of Carla Poole on flute adds an extra layer of texture and depth to the album, enhancing the overall listening experience. Whether you're a fan of hard bop, free jazz, or jazz blues, "Up Popped the Devil" is sure to impress with its innovative approach and high-energy performances.

This LP was released in 1975.

Tracks

Up Popped the DevilMal Waldron, Billy Higgins, Reggie Workman
10:25
Space WalkMal Waldron, Billy Higgins, Reggie Workman
12:28
Snake OutMal Waldron, Billy Higgins, Reggie Workman
11:02
ChangachangachangaMal Waldron, Billy Higgins, Reggie Workman
13:32

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Product specifications

Details

Album: Up Popped the Devil
Artist: Mal Waldron
LP release year: 1975
Album release date: January 1, 1974
Label: Enja Records
Available: No

Product information

Format: LP
Quantity: 1 piece(s)
Mono or stereo: Stereo
Duration: 47 min
Tracks: 4 tracks

Other

Limited Edition: No
Country: Japan
Genre: Hard bop
Box set: No
Remastered: No
Reissue: No

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Reviews

4.0

Average of 2 reviews

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Waldron's Raw, Intense Masterpiece
4 out of 5 stars
lla-trocfxvuluvAugust 19, 2025United Kingdom🇬🇧
Up Popped the Devil" stands out as one of my top picks among Mal Waldron's albums. The tracks here are sharper and more intense than much of his other work. I'm particularly drawn to his recordings that feature plenty of breathing room between notes and players. As with many of Waldron's sessions, "Up Popped the Devil" delivers a raw, unfiltered sound with minimal studio touches. The audio here is stark, the space almost lifeless, akin to a practice room, and even the piano's tone hints that mic positioning and tuning took a backseat to seizing the moment. What you get is an unadorned, close-up look at a distinctive group of musicians fearlessly diving into Waldron's compositions, safety net-free.
Waldron's Raw, Punchy Masterpiece
4 out of 5 stars
hse-kpanfcranocMay 2, 2025United Kingdom🇬🇧
Up Popped the Devil" stands out as one of my top picks from Mal Waldron's discography. The tracks on this album pack a sharper punch compared to much of his other work. I'm particularly drawn to his recordings that embrace spaciousness, where both notes and players have room to breathe. True to many of Waldron's sessions, "Up Popped the Devil" delivers an unfiltered sonic experience, with minimal studio interference. The sound here is stark, the room almost eerily quiet, akin to a practice space. Even the piano's tone hints that microphone positioning and tuning took a backseat to seizing the moment. What you get is an unadorned, close-up glimpse of a distinctive ensemble expertly navigating Waldron's compositions, safety net free.