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Petter Wettre
Petter Wettre Biography
About Me
Renowned saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Petter Wettre continues to captivate
audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances and groundbreaking contributions to
modern jazz. With a career spanning over three decades, Wettre stands as one of Norway’s
most influential jazz musicians, celebrated for his expressive post-bop style and fearless
musical exploration.
Born in Sandefjord in 1967, Wettre’s journey began at Toneheim Folkehøgskole before
advancing to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he studied under jazz
legends Joe Viola and George Garzone. His early immersion in the American jazz tradition laid
the foundation for a career defined by technical mastery and emotional depth.
Wettre burst onto the scene with his debut album Pig Virus in 1996, featuring Håvard Wiik,
Terje Gewelt, and Per Oddvar Johansen. Since then, he has led numerous ensembles—
including The Trio and the Petter Wettre Quartet—collaborating with top-tier musicians such
as Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Jarle Vespestad, and international icons like Dave Liebman and
Manu Katché.
His discography includes standout albums like The Only Way to Travel (2000), Fountain of
Youth (2007), and The Last Album (2023), each showcasing his dynamic range and
compositional prowess. Wettre’s work has earned him two Norwegian Grammy awards,
Norway’s highest music honor, and multiple nominations—including a groundbreaking nod
for a digital-only duet project with drummer Audun Kleive.
Beyond performance, Wettre is a dedicated educator and advocate for jazz. He has taught at
Oslo and Agder music conservatories and founded Household Records in 2002, a label
committed to artistic integrity and sonic innovation. His 2005 publication “Live at the
Lighthouse” — a transcription of Elvin Jones’ legendary recordings—further cemented his role
as a scholar and mentor within the jazz community.
In recent years, Wettre has continued to push boundaries, including a tribute project exploring
the musical legacy of Michael Brecker, performed alongside Jørn Øien, Jens Fossum, Hermund
Nygård, and Hans Mathisen. His performances remain a masterclass in intensity, lyricism, and
improvisational brilliance.
As Petter Wettre looks ahead, his commitment to evolving the jazz idiom remains unwavering.
Whether on stage, in the studio, or in the classroom, he embodies the spirit of innovation and
the soul of Norwegian jazz.
Since 2020 Wettre has divided his time between Paris and Oslo.
