SISSEL VERA / NIKOLAJ HESS
Sissel Vera Pettersen, NO – voice, saxes & live electronics
Nikolai Hess, piano / percussion/effects
This duos repertoire varies from free improvs to original compositions and covers. The differences between the traditional soloist and accompanist is erased, creating a greater space for musical creativity, always focusing on spontaneity, playfulness and telepathic interaction. Jazz, folk, freeform, African beats, Indian ragas, corals and ambient electronica are just a few of the sources of inspiration, which all boil down to the essence: the art of improvisation.
The two albums By this River (2006) and A Word (2009) was released to stunning international reviewes, and were both nominated for a Danish Grammy.
”Wonderful spontaneous improvising, telepathic musical communication and inner strength. Fantastic delivery”, Musica, Greece
“Songs that draw you into a reverie like the best lullabies and folk tales. So subtle and open, the notes gently fall over each other like the ripples at the edge of a lake.”Cyclic Defrost Magazine- Australia
”Daring, naked and concentrated.
– even the air between the words are loaded with meaning”, Information, DK
“Unrivalled interplay – a coherent organic, almost hypnotic album.
– Very, very beautiful.”,Gaffa, DK