Music
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase.
Contains the first version of 'Won't Go Near You Again'. Booklet contains handwritten lyrics for all songs, and Unni's original illustrations.
About
Unni's first album, released in 1996. She was awarded two Norwegian Grammy's (Spellemannprisen) for this album: Album of the year and Female artist of the year.
All songs written by Unni Wilhelmsen, except 'Can't Stop' written by Unni Wilhelmsen, Marius Brovold, Tor Haugsnes. Rearranged by Unni Wilhelmsen & Jens Bugge Wesseltoft.
Vocals & Guitars: Unni Wilhelmsen
Synths & programming: Bugge Wesseltoft
Drums: Tore Wildhauer
Bass: Kyrre Sætran
Guitar: Fredrik Sager
Strings: Vertavo
Additional vocals: Paal Flaata & Tor Arne Sæterholen
Unni's words
«I never dreamt of releasing a record. My relationship with music was a private one. I wrote stuff, but I never played in a band. I didn't make demos for record companies or attend talent competitions. In fact I started playing the guitar a year and a half before these recordings were made.
The lyrics are reflections, experiences, people and memories that I needed to take a closer look at or just didn't want to forget. So I tried to put them in a beautiful private place. Like in a musical diary.
I chose Bugge Wesseltoft to be my producer. Together with my hand picked band, we made an album I'm still proud of. We recorded in the basement of Bugges home and in a micro studio (in a chocolate factory in Oslo) called Bugges Room, which couldn't fit both me and a drum kit at the same time. I had to wait in the hall during drum sessions.
The Vertavo String Quartet and my old friend and fellow dish washer from Rikshospitalet's main kitchen, Thor Arne Sæterholen, are guest starring.The songs came out varied, the production energetic, - the band opens it up. I couldn't have hoped for a better debut.
My very first single, Won't Go Near You Again, was the song that made Ole (I'dole) Evenrud offer me a record contract. I played the song to him in his office. He made the offer on the spot. I had low expectations and a curious mind sneaking into this business as the album title indicates. But the audience embraced both the single and the album.
Paal Flaata (Midnight Choir) sings gorgeously on the second single, This Means You To Me Now, which still stands. After signing the deal we went recording the album, and the next thing I knew I was performing live on National TV. I had scarcely played live before. All at once I was on top of things and the real learning process had begun.»
Additional info
To Whom It May Concern achieved two Norwegian Grammy Awards (Spellemannprisen):
- Female Artist of the Year
- Album of the Year
The album also achieved the Golden Record of Sales.
Recorded & Produced by Bugge Wesseltoft at Bugges Room
Mixed & Mastered by Alar Suurna
Mixed at Oslo Lydstudio
Mastered at Polar Studio AB Sweden
Svenna Mohaugen & Njål F. Lie are secretly involved
Tore Wildauer plays dw drums & Zabian cymbals
Foto: Bjørn Opsahl
Cover Design: Publicis FCB
Illustrations & writing: Unni Wilhelmsen
Fun stuff
If you let the last track continue to play after the song is over and everything is quiet, you'll discover that 'Wont Go Near You Again' suddenly starts playing again.
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase.
Contains the first version of 'Anything 'bout June'. Booklet contains lyrics for all songs, and a bunch of charming old pictures of Unni.
About
Unni Wilhelmsen's second album, released in 1997.
All songs written by Unni Wilhelmsen, except 'The Thread' written by Espen Jørgensen, and 'Grey Encounter' written by Unni Wilhelmsen, Tor Haugsnes, Marius Brovold.
Vocals & Guitars: Unni Wilhelmsen
Additional musicians: Johan Norberg, Espen Jørgensen and Fredrik Sager on guitars. Kyrre Sætran and Marius Rekdal on bass, Tore Wildhauer on drums
Unni's words
'The Difficult Second Album'. But not for me. Having released one previous album I knew I enjoyed what I was doing. And I had experienced there was a place for me as a musician and that made me safe.
Bugge Wesseltoft is producing and playing my songs once more. Alar Suurna (Roxette) recorded in Oslo Lydstudio and fixed the mix in famous EMI Studios, Stockholm. I was there experiencing Stockholm New Chamber Orchestra playing the strings on 'June', while Bugge stood in front of them directing. The sound filled the gym hall sized chamber. I witnessed it all from a small shelf under the ceiling.
Magical moment big time.
Additional info
The album achieved the Golden Record of Sales.
Produced by Bugge Wesseltoft
Mixed & Mastered by Alar Suurna
Mixed at EMI Studios & Polar Studios, Stockholm
Foto: Bjørn Opsahl
Cover Design and artwork by Unni Wilhelmsen & Rune Skaldstad
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase. Booklet contains all lyrics.
About
All songs written by Unni Wilhelmsen, except 'Long Black Dress'; lyrics by Unni, music by Unni & Espen Jørgensen, and 'For The Lonely Ones'; lyrics & music by Unni and Espen Jørgensen.
Unni's words
Memories from the time I worked nights in down town Oslo. A step back to pick up something and have a look at it before I close some doors.
Malcolm Burn is producing and mixing. To watch him do it, is impossible to forget. We recorded in his house, Clouet St. Studio in New Orleans, fall 1999. We had wine with Emmylou Harris and hang outs at legendary Kingsway Studios (Daniel Lanois). Bob Egan (Wilco, Madrugada) popped by for a little pedal steel while the tape was running. Carlo Nuccio plays drums on this album and on Tori Amos' Under The Pink! Head technician Jim Watts and I listened to Ani DiFranco. Great food! Great candle lights!
The recordings deserve listening under good conditions (volume up, ipod and a bus seat :)
Back in the Blonde is a detailed, atmospheric head set record from a dream come true in New Orleans. It can handle a car stereo at night.
Musicians
Unni Wilhelmsen:
Vocals & harmony vocals, acoustic & electric guitars, acoustic short scale guitar, single finger piano & toy piano on 'Long Black Dress', harmonica on 'Fortune Friday'
Espen Jørgensen:
Acoustic guitar, electric guitars, mando guitar, vocals on 'For The Lonely Ones', harmony vocals
René Komen:
Bass guitars
Carlo Nuccio:
Drums, piano on 'St. Cecilia'
Malcolm Burn:
Malcolm
Bob Egan:
Pedal steel guitar on 'Fortune Friday'
Additional info
Produced by Malcolm Burn
Recorded by Jim Watts at Clovet St. Studio New Orelans, sept. 1999, assisted by Zak Koock
Mixed by Malcolm Burn and Jim Watts
Mastered by Bjørn Engelmann, Cutting Room, Stockholm, assisted by Henrik Jonsson
Front cover, illustrations and writing by Unni Wilhelmsen
Artwork by Rune Skalstad, Clockwork production
Photo by Petra Kolosh
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase. Booklet contains all lyrics.
Unni's words
The Fourth album. Put together by me and my friends on an island (Øya Studio, Langesøy) in a river (Drammenselva). The album is produced by my long time guitarist Espen Jørgensen. Playing badminton and making breakfast together produced valuable contributions from Jørn Ellingsen (Locomotiv), Anders Engen, Ron Olsen (Midnight Choir), William Hut and Poor Rich Ones.
Recordings by Johnny Skalleberg, mix by Espen and Knut Bøhn. Ronnie LeTekrø (TNT) invited us to his place, StudioStudio, where we recorded Niagara which he produced. Singing after midnight, with Roffen by my side on guitar solo (through a glass wall, of course :), tape running... What do you think? I got it on video! Poor Rich Ones between raspberry bushes and night golf with head lights.
I loved making this album. The process of learning how to make a record from scratch, made me feel disconnected but powerful. This record surprises me when I hear it, though it may not be the most immediate of them.
Musicians
Unni Wilhelmsen, Espen Jørgensen, Finn Tore Tokle, Erik Holm, Johnny Skalleberg, William Hut, Tor Sørensen, Ludwig, Paulin Voss Skoglund, Knut Bøhn, Ron Olsen, Ronnie Le Tekrø, Dag Stokke
Additional info
All songs written by Unni WilhelmsenProduced by Espen Jørgensen
Co-produced by Unni Wilhelmsen
Recorded to analog twelve track by Johnny Skalleberg and Espen Jørgensen at Øya Studio, Drammen. 'Niagara' recorded at Studio Studio, additional production by Ronnie Le Tekrø and Knut Bøhn.
Mixed by Knut Bøhn and Espen Jørgensen at Sound and Picture
Mastered by Tom Kvålsvoll at Strype Audio
Photos by Ellen Lorenzen and Unni Wilhemsen.
Artwork by Rune Skalstad and Unni Wilhelmsen.
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase. Booklet contains lyrics for all songs.
About
Unni Wilhelmsen's fifth album, but first on her own label St. Cecilia Music, released in 2003. Unni Wilhelmsen is performing her own songs.
Unni's words
The first release on my own label, St. Cecilia Music. I started the label after my record deal with Universal was fulfilled. I chose not to sign a new contract with any company, and begun researching. What would it take to release this album myself in the same professional manner as the big guys on my previous releases? Reliable, qualified help was a must, regarding my well established career at this point.
As producer and musical playmate I chose Kjetil Saunes. I've been a fan of his solo albums and magnificent voice for years. Kjetil and Reidar Skår did the mix. The recordings were made in Kjetil's home, HøytogLavt Studio, in Bislett and Majorstua, Oslo, 02/03.
Additional musicians: Sigmund Groven (harmonica), Eivind Aarset (guitar), Espen Jørgensen (guitar), Anders Engen (drums & perc.), Paulin Skoglund Voss (cello).
This album is a fling with harmonies and personal lyrics. All lyrics are of course included in booklet, as usual.
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase. Booklet contains lyrics for all songs.
About
Unni Wilhelmsen with all Norwegian lyrics, released in 2006.
All music by Unni Wilhelmsen, except 'Goliat' written by Unni Wilhelmsen and Ulf Nygaard.
All lyrics by Terje Borg and Unni Wilhelmsen, except 3 lyrics by Terje Borg alone: 'Prikkedøden', 'Goliat' and 'Lyser gult'.
Musicians
Unni Wilhelmsen: Vocals, chorus, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, 12-stringed guitar, banjoguitar, loop, organ, rhodes, harmonica, synths, effects.
Fredrik Møller Ellingsen: Electric guitar, slide guitar, bass, perk, editing, loops, samples, programming.
Ole Jørn Myklebust: Synth, synth bass, trumpet, strings, hammond, organ, perk, editing.
Eivind Kløverød: Drums, perk
Finn Tore Tokle: Bass
Jo Bakke: Guitars
Tora Terese Wærvågen: Violin, viola
Kristine L. Martens: Cello
Fritz Wepper: Druma, bass, synth
Trygve Seim: Soprano & tenor sax
Øyvind Brekke: Trombone
Jarle Bernhoft: Bass, perk, piano, guitar ghost, chorus
Guest musicians and contributors:
Ulf Nygaard (Folk & Røvere), Jarle Bernhoft (Span), Trygve Seim, Svein Schultz, Arild Nyborg (Stomp), and more.
Additional info
Recorded in Fett Studio and Lydmølla.
Produced by Fredrik Møller Ellingsen, Unni Wilhelmsen and Ole Jørn Myklebust. Co-produced by Eivind Kløverud.
Mixed by Ulf Holand in LydLab.
Mastered by Bjørn Engelmann at Cutting Room, Stockholm.
Foto: Pål Rødahl
Art work: Tutta Sætra, Catharina Halvorsen / Grey Reklamebyrå
Fun stuff
On track 10 'Fingerbøl' her cat Purre is credited for a guitar solo. Unni has a recording studio at home in her kitchen, and also a cat flap. When Purre came home in the middle of a recording, she joined in by sharpening her claws on one of Unni's guitars.
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase. Booklet contains lyrics for all songs.
About
Unni's seventh and latest album, simply called '7', was released in Norway June 2010 by her own record label, St. Cecilia Music. '7' contains contributions from musicians such as Arve Henriksen (trumpet), Lars Danielsson (bass), David Wallumrød (organ) and Eivind Aarset (samples). The opening track 'Revolving Door', is a collaboration with Chris Barron from the Spin Doctors.
'7' was released in Germany (GAS) by Edel, June 24th 2011.
The album has eight original tracks in English and one with Norwegian lyrics, plus a cover version of Joni Mitchell's classic 'Both sides Now', which Unni has performed live for years.
Unni's words
(coming...)
Fun stuff
On the German release, there is a bonus track at the very end - a Mungolian JetSet Radio Remix of the opening song 'Revolving Door'.
The opening track 'Revolving Door', is a collaboration with Chris Barron from the Spin Doctors.
This item can also be purchased directly from Unni Wilhelmsen after concerts.
You will receive a signed album with hardcase.
About
Live recording, released in 2013.
Unni Wilhelmsen is performing her own songs, and borrowed songs she thinks is beautiful, live with Bodø Rythm Group and Bodø Sinfonietta.
Unni's words
Back in 2008, I did one single concert in Bodø Kulturhus, accompanied by Bodø Rhythm Group and Bodø Sinfonietta. We planned for six months, and some of my songs were rearranged for this ensemble and this special occasion. In addition, I chose some cover songs I wanted to sing, and a few of them are jazz classics.
We also did a version of Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now', based on her famous recording with Vince Mendoza's soulful arrangements.
It turned out our sound engineer recorded the concert in a simple manner, only to keep in the archives. None of us thought of doing anything with this material until I let a handful of people hear it just for fun.
I've never sung jazz on tape before - I have to admit, my relationship with jazz is a shady one.
These people all told me I should release this concert. And so I started considering the idea, and here it is...
Fun stuff
Unni Wilhelmsen had no idea she was making a live album when she was performing these songs. No idea that the concert was being recorded. A sound engineer just made a recording for fun, and for his own archives, and the result was found to more than deserve a release amongst the general public. This is Unni's first live album after seven studio recordings.
Contributors
Unni Wilhelmsen:
Vocals, Grand Piano
Bodø Rythm Groum:
Finn Sletten (drums, percussion), Finn Robert Olsen (guitars), Tore Johansen (conductor)
Bodø Sinfonietta:
Appears on Secret, Natta Sola, Northern Lands, Once Upon A Summertime, Both Sides Now
Solo musicians:
Jan Gunnar Hoff: Grand Piano
Ole Jørn Myklebust: Trumpet, harmony vocals
Dag Erik Pedersen: Double Bass
Tore Johansen: Conductor and concert repertoire administrator
Tore Gustavsen: Audio and musical advisor
Recorded live at Bodø Kulturhus and Store Studio by Håvard Christensen.
Mixed and mastered by Håvard Christensen, Store Studio, Bodø 2013.
Additional info
Bodø Sinfonietta has a unique place in the hearts of people in Bodø and Northern Norway. With bold and innovative programming, the orchestra gives weekly concerts ranging from jazz to classical and contemporary works, in cooperation with some of the leading soloists in Norway and Europe. Bodø Sinfonietta is Norway's only full-time professional sinfonietta ensemble, and is part of the Arctic Opera and Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Norway's largest and most active cultural institutions.
Cover design and artwork: Unni Wilhelmsen assisted by Joar Fiskaa.
Photos: Unni Wilhelmsen, Line Dybwad-Olsen
Promotion: Head of Promotion
Distribution: Musikkoperatørene AS
CD Manufacturing: Polyvox Norge AS
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