Strut Records reissues lost 1975 recording ‘Candy Girl’ from Mal Waldron
In what is undoubtedly one of the best reissues of the year, London’s Strut Records has recently put out the lost 1975 session Candy Girl by legendary jazz pianist Mal Waldron, recorded in Paris with core members of the iconic Paris-based funk group Lafayette Afro Rock Band.
Originally released in microscopic quantities on the Calumet label, this 5-track recording came together spontaneously in the studio of French producer Pierre Jaubert, whose Paris headquarters had become the workshop for both avant-garde jazz and psychedelic funk. This session marries the two, Mal Waldron’s freeform stripped down piano approach with the electric future funk of the Lafayette Afro Rock Band.
Backing Waldron on piano is bassist Lafayette Hudson, drummer Donny Donable, and keyboardist Frank Abel on clavinet, Moog and more.
Great from start to finish, Candy Girl is easily one of the most unique recordings for both Waldron and Lafayette Afro Rock Band. It’s great to see this album come out of the shadows and receive an official and well-crafted reissue release.
Mal Waldron — ‘Candy Girl’
(Originally released: 1975 / Calumet)
(Reissued: 2025 / Strut)
1. Home Again
2. Red Match Box
3. Bits And Things
4. Dedication To Brahms
5. Candy Girl
