|  | Allaboutjazz, Michael P. Gladstone, July 2008
| By Michael P. Gladstone
For his sophomore effort, Danishguitarist/composer Torben Waldorff unleashes astrong album which gives his listeners more ofthe same and then some. Waldorff, who is nowbased out of Malmo, Sweden, had previouslyenjoyed a well-received album of a liveperformance, Brilliance (ArtistShare, 2007). Onthis studio-made album, Waldorff stays with thesame formula but turns the heat up quite a bit.The most influential catalysts on this session are provided by saxophonistDonny McCaslin (returning from Brilliance), and keyboardist Sam Yahel,whose work on Hammond B-3 organ, Fender Rhodes and piano giveAfterburn a distinctive edginess. Waldorff writes attractive themes for thissession and it seems, regardless of the tempo, that both McCaslin, andYahel leave their own respective mark on most of these compositions.Waldorff is not heard in solo until the third track “Espresso Crescent,”where he goes toe-to-toe with McCaslin. The guitarist is not playing in anysort of free-jazz mode. Rather, he seems greatly influenced by Pat Metheny'searly ECM period style. McCaslin, on the other hand, turns eachopportunity into a squalling post-Coltrane solo regardless of tempo. On“Heimat,” an introspective ballad, the saxophonist comes closest to amelodic solo, while on the like-minded “Skyliner” he unleashes two jaggedimprovisations. On the latter, the versatile Yahel shows his piano skills witha forceful solo.The pulse of this oft-propulsive album is well tended by Matt Clohesy onbass and Jon Wikan, also known as trumpeter Ingrid Jensen's drummer and husband. | | http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/review_print.php?id=29980 |
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"Torben has made a stellar recording. I just love it. It's a joy to listen to from beginning to end."
-- Maria Schneider
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Waldorff makes such liberal use of quiet and space that at times it seems he's left the room midsolo. But when he does re-enter, it is immediately obvious that his ears have been open to all surrounding sounds
-- Philadelphia City Paper
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