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Ekhidna

Widely praised from Rolling Stone to Downbeat, Mojo to Wire and Jazzwise.

Electrifying guitarist Hedvig Mollestad hits us with a multifaceted and dynamic progressive jazzrock monster high on fierce riffs, rich textures, vibrant solos and strong melody lines.

Ekhidna, the electrifying brainchild of renowned guitarist Hedvig Mollestad, is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its multifaceted and dynamic progressive jazz rock. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, Ekhidna weaves together themes of human struggle and our relationship with nature into a spellbinding musical journey.

From receiving accolades in publications like Rolling Stone and Downbeat to being celebrated by audiences and critics alike, Hedvig Mollestad has carved a niche for herself in the world of jazz rock. With Ekhidna, Mollestad ventures into new sonic territories, accompanied by a stellar lineup of musicians.

Commissioned by the prestigious Vossajazz festival in 2019, Ekhidna features a powerhouse ensemble including the legendary drummer Torstein Lofthus (Elephant9), percussionist Ole Mofjell, keyboard virtuosos Marte Eberson and Erlend Slettevoll, and the remarkable trumpeter Susana Santos Silva. This formidable sextet breathes life into Mollestad's vision, delivering an album that transcends genre boundaries and defies expectations.

Ekhidna is not merely a concept album; it's a sonic exploration of raw emotion and unbridled creativity. Tracks like "No Friends But The Mountains" and "A Stone's Throw" showcase Mollestad's signature ferocious riffing intertwined with Silva's melodic trumpet lines, creating an electrifying fusion of sound.

Critics have hailed Ekhidna as a groundbreaking achievement in jazz rock. Mojo praises the album for its "monster jazz rock guitar" and "in yer face performances," while The Wire lauds Mollestad's "untameable energy" and "mercurial eruption of instinct ideas."

With Ekhidna, Hedvig Mollestad proves once again why she is considered one of the most innovative guitarists of her generation. Ekhidna is not just an album; it's a sonic adventure, pushing the boundaries of jazz-rock fusion and showcasing Hedvig Mollestad's unparalleled talent as a guitarist and composer.

  • Susana Santos Silva - trumpet

    Marte Eberson - rhodes & keyboards

    Erlend Slettevoll - rhodes & keyboards

    Ole Mofjell - drums

    Torstein Lofthus - drums

«This guitarist is touched by genius. 4,5/5.»

Jazz Journal (UK)

Reviews

Herewith Thomassen's Brutalist riposte to the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Birds Of Fire. 4/5.

MOJO (UK)

Taken in its fearless entirety, this is easily her most mind-blowing music to date.

Prog (UK)

It's difficult to describe her playing without lapsing into purple prose, but it marries an advanced technique with a thrilling early John McLaughlin-style attack, a sharp sense of rhythmic articulation, even at high velocity, and a rock fan's love of the timbre and physicality of sound.

The Wire (UK)