Petter’s processed commodities

Release date: March 21st, 2024

Drawing inspiration from multiple facets of his artistic practice, the Norwegian bass player and composer Petter Asbjørnsen has crafted «Processed Commodities» — a vividly colorful album of nine original compositions. During the compositional process, Asbjørnsen has aimed to establish a framework that is both expansive and adaptable, allowing for the free development of diverse ideas, no matter how seemingly disparate. This approach ensured that while each compositional idea evolves independently, the album retains a cohesive sense of unity.

The opening piece, «You = I», performed by Asbjørnsen himself on solo bass, enchants the audience, inviting them to explore a whimsical musical quagmire teeming with diversity. As the album progresses, listeners will be introduced to an exceptional ensemble of performers:

Thibault Gomez (FR) - piano

Nils Bo Davidsen (DK) - cello

Karoline Wallace (NO) - vocals

Albert Cirera (ES) - saxophones

Simon Olderskog Albertsen (NO) - drums

Valeria Miracapillo (IT) - electronics and live processing

These musicians are prominent figures in the European improvised and experimental music scene, bringing versatile musical backgrounds and experience across a wide array of projects. According to Asbjørnsen, they were handpicked to support the album's eclectic soundscape.

Through a close collaboration with Norwegian musician and producer Arne Martin Nybo, Asbjørnsen and Nybo crafted intricate layers of processed material, weaving together a sonic tapestry of acoustic instruments and electronic post-production. Resulting in the album’s finely nuanced and idiosyncratic sound.

The album was mastered for vinyl by Morten Lund, and the gatefold cover is a triptych by Danish visual artist Kristoffer Møllegaard, whose mixed-media techniques, incorporating painting and collage, visually reflect the multifaceted nature of the album.

The album is available through Bandcamp. Do you want to buy a vinyl record? Please press the button below and fill out the form, and Petter will be in touch with you shortly.