heavy Denim

heavy Denim is proud to present the Frode Gjerstad Trio (Norway), comprising some of Europe’s foremost jazz improvisors: Frode Gjerstad (clarinets, alto sax), Paal Nilssen-Love (drums), Jon Rune Strøm (bass).

Drawing heavily upon the energy of the free-jazz continuum as defined by Ornette Coleman, Charles Mingus and John Coltrane, alto saxophonist Frode Gjerstad is a pioneer of Norwegian improvised music. His various ensembles have served as a training ground for the current (and most vital) generation of Norwegian experimental musicians. Gjerstad first came to prominence with British percussionist John Stevens’ group in the 1980s, and later played in a trio with William Parker and Hamid Drake. His career has spanned over 20 years and has included collaborations with many of the leading lights of improvised and experimental music including Peter Brötzmann, Han Bennink, Evan Parker, Derek Bailey, Louis Moholo-Moholo, and noise musician Lasse Marhaug. After two decades of trios with various international musicians, this is Frode Gjerstad’s first all-Norwegian trio.

The trio has toured and/or played festivals in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Slovenia, Kroatia, Italy, USA and Canada.

The Whale is a San Antonio duo that brings a punk edge to jazz, with reference points in the territory of Eric Dolphy, Ornette Coleman, and John Zorn. Eddie Vasquez on saxophone / Kory Cook on drums.

Press

Frode Gjerstad’s “searing, sometimes haunting tone, his impeccable tunefulness, and his exquisite rhythmic sense put him squarely in the tradition of Ornette [Coleman].” - Steve Loewy, All Music Guide

Frode Gjerstad produces “hand-knitted fragments of seething pneumatology that never cease to surprise and, on more attentive analysis, reveal a stunning technical command.” - Massimo Ricci, Paris Transatlantic