Donald Malloy’s eclectic approach to music is one best described as unique. As one who was raised in an environment where music was as much apart of life as breathing, he was developing his musical identity like a child goes through his adolescent years.
Growing up in the Ifa religion, Donald’s first musical experience was with traditional “African Praise Music” playing the drums and singing. Later he learned to play the trumpet through the Cleveland Hts. School system and quickly gravitated toward jazz. By the age of 18 Donald had performed with Terence Blanchard, John Clayton, Jeff Clayton, Bobby Watson, and Winard Harper. After graduating Cleveland Hts. High and Cuyahoga Community College at the same time he began a scholarship at the esteemed Oberlin Conservatory. Here he study with jazz greats like Marcus Belgrave, Billy Hart, and Gary Bartz.
While studying Donald continued to demonstrate his musical gift performing with Gerald Wilson, Billy Hart, Marcus Belgrave, Jimmy Heath, Eric Lewis, Frank Foster, Roscoe Mitchell, Donald Byrd and the Jazz Heritage Orchestra to name a few. He also became aware of his gift for composition. During this time he was commissioned to compose the piece “Stark Winters” for the independent film “Man Cry” which was played by Two of a Kind, a two trumpets quintet co-lead by Donald and trumpeter Curtis Taylor. Also he composed a four movement suite for the Jazz Heritage Orchestra entitled “Spirit of New Orleans.”
Upon graduating from Oberlin at the age of 21 Donald is now residing in New Jersey and continuing his studies as a graduate student at Rutgers. Here he is studying with the great William Fielder. Since he moved to the east coast he performed with Eddie Palmieri, Ed Simon, Conrad Herwig, Johnathon Blake, and Frank Sinatra Jr.
Through all of his experiences thus far Donald his now working two projects. In his quintet he is going back to his spiritual roots, combining the music for the African deities of the Yoruba tribe (Orisha) and jazz. Music in this band is both spiritual and intellectual at the same time. The second project is “The Return of Badzilla.” In this band which is co-lead by Donald and visionary Chuck Tailor the music here is meant to be fun. Here we are combining jazz, rock, blues and electronica.
Donald continues to push forward. He is always being inspired and is determined to transcend past boundaries of what has come before him and find new ways to express experiences of life, because that’s what music is. LIFE. A person can never lay stagnant. You either move onward and upward or downward and backward.
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thank you very much for the friendship! Its my pleasure to be in contact with great musician as you. I listened to your music and videos and please let me tell you that I really think beatiful and original music!!
Plannin' my next trip to the Apple already, only this time I'm coming to start "the work". Monday night was fun! I've sent a message to Mr. Donaldson, hope he answers me. Will check with you soon!
Hello Donald Malloy Thank you for being a positive force in this world. Another positive force is music.
Music has so much positive power that it can bring different cultures together. Please feel free to contact me at any time. I also hope you will make many new contacts on this page.
Hello! Wanted to let you know that I recently finished a jazz record of standards with Kate Ceberano, and we've set up a Myspace page for the album. The record features Peter Erskine, Alan Pasqua, and Tom Warrington. I think you'll like it! Head on over to www.myspace.com/bittersweetalbum to check out a pre-release track...Thank you! p.s. first 100 pre-orders of the album get a signed copy! www.bittersweetthealbum.com
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