Bob Malach: After Hours

This music is described in the liner notes as “a collection of first takes captured during late night sessions in 1986.” The players, tenor saxophonist Malach, bassist Billie Peterson, and drummer Kenny Horst, stretch out in a free-wheeling post-Coltrane manner on tunes such as Lee Morgan’s “Stop Start,” Horace Silver’s “Jody Grind,” Quincy Jones’ Stockholm Sweetnin’,” and Jimmy Heath’s “Big P.” Malach, who frequently appears on pop dates, gives us tenor with speechlike inflections, a throaty tone, scalar lines (with chromatic side slipping), and plenty of rhythmic dance steps.

Originally Published December 1, 1999