Donald Malloy’s eclectic approach to music is one best described as unique. Growing up in the Ifa tradition, Donald’s first musical experience was with traditional “African Praise Music” playing drums and singing. Later he learned to play the trumpet and quickly gravitated toward jazz. After graduating high school and Cuyahoga Community College simultaneously, Donald was awarded a scholarship to Oberlin Conservatory. Upon graduating from Oberlin, Donald furthered his education as a graduate student at Rutgers University. There he was mentored by, the legendary William Fielder. Musically, Malloy has worked in many situations. He has performed with esteemed musicians such as Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbett, Wallace Roney, and Geri Allen. He also leads two of his own projects Sight and Clear Water. Sight takes African Praise Music of the Ifa tradition and combines it with rock/soul grooves and jazz harmony. Clear Water is a duo where Donald Dj's and plays trumpet while Kush Abadey plays drums. With these bands he has recorded four albums and has performed at festivals and venues across America. As a composer Donald has received serveral commissions to write for the Jazz Heritage Orchestra and independent films such as "Man Cry" and "Downtown Express." He also has taught music through Montclair State University and Rutgers State University. Malloy is a very diligent and dedicated individual. On his journey he continues to grow into the strongest verison of himself, always learning from and sharing his experiences to better everyone he touches. “A person can never lay stagnant. You either move onward and upward or downward and backward.”