Rolf Thofte Quintet | Martha’s Dance | September 19, 2025
Martha’s Dance is set for release on September 19th, 2025 via April Records.
The title track is a tribute to Thofte’s three-year-old daughter – a playful, clapping, goat-hoof-stomping tune in quirky 5/4 that channels the spirit of childhood joy and spontaneity. “It’s just a fun tune to play, and I feel like it really captures Martha’s spirit,” says Thofte. “This band came together at a time when I was trying to get a foothold in a new life situation as a father, so it felt perfect to make this the title track.”
The album moves between moods and textures with elegance: from the rich harmonic language of “Vice Versa” – inspired by Wayne Shorter’s ability to cast simple melodies in shifting harmonic light – to the understated power of “Changing Tides,” a piece about imperceptible gradual changes in our lives, nature, and politics. “Bendico,” written in 15 minutes as a conservatory assignment, showcases Thofte’s gift for strong melodic statements, while “Dunkelflaute” evokes melancholic Nordic greyness through sparse, emotive phrasing.
From the swaggering second-line feel of “The Big 5” to the hypnotic pulse of “All…”, the album explores rhythm as both a driving force and a canvas for creative interplay. Throughout, Thofte’s trumpet and flugelhorn lead the ensemble with warmth and clarity.
The quintet features some of Copenhagen’s top next-generation players: Andreas Toftemark (tenor saxophone), a powerhouse improviser and composer who brings NYC-honed energy and detail to the group dynamic. Rasmus Sørensen (piano), a rising star of the European scene, known for his sensitive, exploratory playing and fearless interaction. Jakob Roland (bass) and Henrik Holst (drums) – two of Thofte’s oldest musical collaborators – round out the rhythm section with deep swing, taste, and musical empathy.Martha’s Dance is a confident, cohesive debut – rooted in tradition yet full of forward-thinking ideas. With his nuanced writing and expressive playing, Rolf Thofte announces himself as a compelling new voice on the European jazz landscape.
Line up
Rolfe Thofte | Trumpet & Flugelhorn Andreas Toftemark | Tenor Saxophone
Rasmus Sørensen | Piano
Jakob Roland | Double Bass
Henrik Holst Hansen | Drums & Percussion
Track Listing
The Big 5
Changing Tides
All…
Bendico
Vice Versa
Martha’s Dance
Dunkelflaute
PR Quotes
Jazzitalia (IT)
“Martha’s Dance is an album that marks the birth of an already accomplished composer”
Paris-move (FR)
“the beauty of the images it imposes on us is striking”
UK Vibe (UK)
“Rooted in the Danish tradition yet looking outward, Martha’s Dance marks Rolf Thofte as a quietly commanding new voice on the European jazz landscape”
Valonkuvia (FI)
“Thofte’s quintet is a stylistically pure jazz ensemble, in this case a mix of hard bop, the style of 1960s Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter , and a slightly cool Nordic jazz that delivers what the formation promises”
Esensja (PL)
“If you appreciate classic post-bop, you shouldn’t (for your own good) miss this album”
Jazz Views (UK)
“This kind of musical conversation doesn’t happen by accident—it’s rooted in Thofte’s long musical journey”
SK Jazz (SK)
“I really like the sound of the album – a classic jazz quintet with trumpet and flugelhorn and tenor saxophone plus rhythm, that’s probably the most beautiful jazz sound in the history of jazz! Heaven on earth!”
Bluebird Reviews (UK)
“Martha’s Dance is an astonishing musical debut for a collective that oozes talent from every angle and, if this exquisite record is the shape of things to come, the Rolf Thofte Quartet is going to soar higher and higher in the skies of Jazz for many years to come”
Jazz thing (DE)
“Martha’s Dance” combines compositional clarity, captivating improvisations, and outstanding sound quality – an album that definitely deserves to be discovered.”
Jazznyt (DK)
“A lovely jazz record from some of the capital’s hottest jazz musicians”
Era Jazzu (PL)
“The session captures moments of joy, reflection, and experimentation, brought to life by a carefully selected quintet of Denmark’s most exciting young jazz talents”
Jorge Ceja (PT)
“With this album, Rolf Thofte isn’t just launching his first project—he is igniting the Danish jazz conversation.”
Jazz-fun (DE)
“Martha’s Dance” combines compositional clarity, captivating improvisations, and outstanding sound quality – an album that definitely deserves to be discovered”
Nettavisen (NO)
“Thofte is a very tasteful and stylish musician well placed in the Jazz Messengers tradition”
All About Jazz (USA)
“Martha’s Dance celebrates being jazzy, highlighting the talents of exceptional musicians working in tandem”
Jazz Mania (BE)
“Velvety jazz, where soaring brass is still possible!”
Jazz SK (SK)
“Let us enjoy “Martha’s Dance” and perhaps with the piercing voice of our inner child we will be able to rise above the fatality of today, at least for the duration of two sides of a well-recorded and produced LP”
Cuttings
