Torben Waldorff – American Rock Beauty – Artist Share AS0102 – 1 hr. 20 min. *****:
(Torben Waldorff – guitar, Donny McCaslin – tenor sax; Jon Cowherd – piano, fender rhodes, organ; Matt Clohesy – bass; Jon Wikan – drums)
Torben Waldorff may have composed one of the best albums I’ve heard so far in 2010. He plays the guitar, but lets his band stay in the forefront for most of the entire album. Shining Through, a rather Bruce Hornsby and the Range jam, is simply amazing. Donny McCaslin on tenor sax commands the incredible performances on the first two tracks, and throughout the entire piece of work.
After touring the world in 2009, Torben got together with the guys late that year and put together American Rock Beauty. There’s nothing hokey here, it’s straight up jazzy rocking jams. This album does not sound over-produced or forced. It’s a wonderful experience for a new listener of Torben’s and I really appreciate this album for what it is: a truly enjoyable album of jams and impromptu sessions. An hour of wonderful music for the backyard cook-out or cocktail party.
This isn’t your typical fan-funded project album either. These guys are very tight and polished jazz and rock musicians. Being an Artist Share release you can see and learn first hand on Torben’s website what it actually took to get this album released: www.waldorff.com
TrackList:
1. Shark
2. Shining Through
3. Waves
4. American Rock Beauty
5. Late
6. Lama
7. Song-Ella
8. Scape
— Paul Pelon IV