“Consider, for instance, David Balakrishnan’s “The Second Wave.” Intended to showcase the Turtle Island Quartet, it sounds more reminiscent of Yo-Yo Ma’s Goat Rodeo project than a Terence Blanchard album. Actually, there’s no trumpet on the track at all. And that bravery in pushing beyond expectations is what makes it one of the album’s finest songs. At certain points, there is an undeniable bluegrass or Appalachian string feel to it. In others, it seems to come from the Western European classical tradition. And, at times, it borrows thoughts from klezmer and Middle Eastern music. “The Second Wave” is unlike any other song on Absence. But, in its creator’s undeniable openness to following wherever the music leads him, it fits Shorter’s musical ethos.”

–Rob Shepherd, PostGenre