(Review by Russell).
Guitarist Torben Waldorff decided
that on his new release Wah-Wah it
was time to leave out the saxophone and ‘take
the full melodic responsibility’ for the project. The Dane has secured the
services of three first rate musicians capable of meeting the challenge of
his melodic and harmonic ideas.
Waldorff’s new quartet features Gary Versace (keyboards), Matt Clohesy (bass)
and drummer Jon Wikan.
The tunes are intended to ‘create a flowing organic vibe
to play in’. The ‘vibe’ is sustained throughout the CD allowing the guitarist
to develop extended improvisations in unison with Clohesy buoyed by Wikan’s
responsive drumming. Versace is an inspired choice for this new recording. Previously
employed by guitarists John Scofield and John Abercrombie, his lyricism
complements that of bandleader Waldorff. On Poolside
he is featured on organ and on Evac turns
to the electric piano adding harmonic colour to the set.
The closing number - Country and Fish – is a 3:00 am blues
made for a late night gig encore sending the audience home feeling that the
world isn’t such a bad place after all. For readers familiar with the work of guitarist
Mark McKnight this should serve as a useful reference point to the music
of Torben Waldorff.
Wah-Wah is released on ArtistShare (AS0117) this week (Tuesday 25
September) available at www.waldorff.com.
Russell
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