Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto

Wandering Mind, Drifting Weather is a cross-border collaboration between Norwegian composer and pianist Julia Gjertsen and Swedish trombonist and sound artist Gustav Davidsson. Both artists have a classically trained background, and are known for their improvised sound and Ambient compositions. Between them they’ve released on labels such as Moderna Records, Constellation Tatsu, Bigo & Twigetti and Blue Spiral Records. While Julia is known for her emotive piano-led pieces and evolving electronic textures, Gustav brings his unique approach to the trombone, treating it as both a melodic and atmospheric instrument. They reside in separate but neighbouring countries with Julia in Oslo, Norway and Gustav in the village of Ljungskile near Gothenburg in Sweden.

This album was created as a slow and intuitive exchange of sketches, sent back and forth between these two artists over the course of several months. The result is an immersive suite of compositions which place the piano and trombone front of stage, enhanced by subtle restrained pads, Wurlitzer tones and gentle electronics. Each piece represents a different time of day and evokes a mood akin to weather in motion such as shifting light, drifting clouds or a sudden breeze. The title Wandering Mind, Drifting Weather reflects the intuitive progression of these works, where ideas and improvisations gradually shaped a harmonious collection. Thematically, it paints nature as both a setting and a metaphor; the way a setting can be transformed by meteorological elements, and how thoughts, just like weather, pass with their own emotional charge.

Rather than follow a rigid structure, the music here exists in a space between composition and spontaneity, often capturing a moment rather than refining it. Julia’s minimal and expressive piano sketches form the structural foundation, while Gustav explores the trombone’s many voices not just as a lead instrument, but as a background hum, gentle harmony, or a shadowy atmosphere

Written and produced by Julia Gjertsen and Gustav Davidsson
Mastered by Gustav Davidsson
Photography by Julia Gjertsen
Art and design by Andrew Heath

Wandering Mind, Drifting Weather

wlr187 Julia Gjertsen & Gustav Davidsson - Wandering Mind, Drifting Weather

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Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight": I. Adagio sostenuto

Alice Sara Ott

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