Hedvig Mollestad Trio Members, Gear & Sound

Hedvig Mollestad Trio is a dynamic Norwegian group that blends elements of rock and contemporary jazz to create a powerful instrumental sound. Formed in Norway, the trio consists of Hedvig Mollestad Thomassen (guitar), Ellen Brekken (bass), and Ivar Loe Bjørnstad (drums). Known for their ability to traverse the boundaries between hard rock and jazz improvisation, the group draws inspiration from iconic bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, as well as avant-garde jazz artists. Their music embodies a unique fusion of heavy riffs and intricate jazz harmonies, making them a standout act in both the rock and jazz scenes.

The sonic character of Hedvig Mollestad Trio is defined by aggressive yet nuanced guitar work paired with a pulsating rhythm section. Hedvig's guitar tone often shifts between dirty, distorted riffs and skronky, jazz-inflected solos, employing gear like the Gibson ES-335 Dot for its versatile tonal range. Effects pedals such as the Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer and MXR M104 Distortion+ help in sculpting her robust sound. The bass lines, courtesy of Ellen Brekken, are both grounding and melodic, supported by the deep resonance of the Aguilar DB 410 cabinet. Ivar Loe Bjørnstad's drumming is dynamic and propulsive, using the Sennheiser MD 421-II to capture the nuanced interplay between rhythm and melody. This combination of gear and musical approach allows the trio to create a sound that is both heavy and exploratory, making it a captivating experience for listeners and musicians alike.