Sissel Vera Pettersen and Nikolaj Hess’ musical collaboration started in 2003, and since then their duo have evoked broad attention and enthusiasm in concerts at festivals and clubs in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Faroe Islands, France, Iceland and USA.

A strong common feature in this collaboration is a search for the open and spontaneous, where improvisation is a key element. The expression is organic and transparent, and beneath the surface lays an enormous musical virtuosity that also allows the two musicians to sometimes 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, focusing on spontaneity, playfulness and close interaction. The use of live electronics broadens the acoustic sound and creates an ambient and transparent soundscape which is constantly c...

Sissel Vera Pettersen and Nikolaj Hess’ musical collaboration started in 2003, and since then their duo have evoked broad attention and enthusiasm in concerts at festivals and clubs in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Faroe Islands, France, Iceland and USA.

A strong common feature in this collaboration is a search for the open and spontaneous, where improvisation is a key element. The expression is organic and transparent, and beneath the surface lays an enormous musical virtuosity that also allows the two musicians to sometimes 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, focusing on spontaneity, playfulness and close interaction. The use of live electronics 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 ostinates, Indian ragas, noise, chorals and ambient electronica are main sources of inspiration, which all boil down to the essence: the art of improvising and a strong presence and atmosphere....

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