SisselVeraPettersen NikolajHess Duo

Sissel Vera Pettersen and Nikolaj Hess musical collaboration started in 2003, and since then their duo have evoked huge attention and enthusiasm in concerts at festivals and clubs in Scandinavia and USA.A strong common feature about the musicality of Hess and Pettersen is a search for the open and spontaneous, where improvisation is the principal element. The expression is organic and light, and beneath the surface lays an enormous musical surplus that allows the two musicians to go in for the intensely understated.The duos repertoire varies from original compositions to covers and free-impros. Together they erase the differences between the traditional soloist and accompanist, finding a wider landscape for musical creativity, always focusing on spontaneity, playfulness and close interaction. The use of vocal- and piano loops broadens the acoustic sound and creates an ambient and transparent soundscape which is constantly changing. The music will often find unexpected paths. 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 improvising. ............................................................ ............................................ Pressquotes on "By this River": ............................................................ “Modernistic, mystical and superior duoalbum.”5 stars of 6, Jyllandsposten, DK ”An alchymistic and sober nakedness.-sincere and enchanted”, Jazzspecial, DK ”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 “Spectacular details. -Skyhigh artistic level”, Undertoner, DK “A beautiful little oyster, where the pearl is made of the different facets of underplayedness.”, DR Jazz, DK "An album that will be remembered for a long time.", Nettavisen, NO ”Wonderful spontaneous improvising, telepathic musical communication and inner strength. Fantastic delivery!”, Musica, Greece "the notes gently fall over each other like the ripples at the edge of a lake. Songs that draw you into a reverie like the best lullabies and folk tales." Cyclic Defrost Magazine, Australia