Jesse Malin's Recovery Continues

Singer/Songwriter Undergoing Experimental Stem Cell Treatment and Therapy

Earlier this week, Jesse Malin updated fans and supporters, sharing details about his recovery process following a May 4 spinal stroke that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Rolling Stone’s Joseph Hudak reported on Monday that Malin has been undergoing intensive physical therapy with stem cell treatments at a clinic in Buenos Aires. Malin’s options in his hometown of New York were limited, as his medical insurance limited therapy to two weekly sessions. Also, his Manhattan residence is a third-floor walk-up apartment. Apparently unable to secure the wheelchair-compatible home he sought, he took an arduous, twelve-hour flight to Argentina and an experimental, ground-breaking treatment he calls an “alternative road”. He told Hudak, “They only want people that are very serious and not just playing around.”

Surely, they have found such a person. If Malin brings a fraction of the commitment to his art that he brings to recovery, one can expect results—but Malin himself knows this is a long, less than certain process. Hudak’s article includes more details about the daily, hours-long regimen. Originally, Malin wanted to maintain privacy during this time but decided to update the public after overwhelming support and well wishes.

When time allows, Malin still plays guitar and writes while focusing primarily on his recovery. “I am getting some strength back in my legs, but it moves a lot slower than I would like. I don’t want to portray it like I’m ready to do the James Brown splits onstage. I definitely have a long way to go, but I’m blessed and so grateful for the amazing fans and friends that I have.”

Also on Monday, he released a new music video. “The Fine Art of Self Destruction (Lonely Process)” is a new recording of the title track of his debut solo album, The Fine Art of Self Destruction (2003). The tune was rearranged and rerecorded with close collaborator and multi-instrumentalist Derek Cruz. Dave Stekert produced the video before Malin’s spinal stroke.

See here for Jesse Malin’s recovery fund. His artful recordings are available and well worth the attention of anyone with an appreciation for song craft.

[Brief update: Technical and other difficulties have curtailed writing and publishing lately. Once they are rectified, expect more content. In the interim, I may publish or republish older writings, including reviews of Jesse Malin recordings and performances.]