A major pianist with a very distinctive play, although somewhat reminiscent of ''Monk's'' work, ''Mal Waldron'' was ''Billie Holiday'' last accompanist. Then playing with ''Eric Dolphy'' (on the incredible ''Five Spot'' sessions), ''John Coltrane'', ''Charles Mingus'' and others, Mr ''Waldron'' suffered from a severe health problem in the early 60's, thus had to relearn piano from his own records. Most people can start with ''The Quest'' (an exceptionnal ''Dolphy'' record), or ''Mal-2'', while listeners more familiar with his 60's work could jump in his later collaborations with ''Steve Lacy'' (''Live at Dreher''), or the sweet (and somewhat rare) ''Soul Eyes''.