NORMAN WESTBERG Jasper Sits Out – LP art edition ltd. 100
Drone / Noise / Loop / SWANS
Jasper Sits Out is the new solo album of Norman Westberg, near-constant guitarist for SWANS since 1983. He is also known for his work with Jarboe, Lydia Lunch, Foetus, Algis Kyzis and many others. Since the start of the so-called No Wave scene in the early 80ies in NYC, Westberg’s unique and often very reduced guitar tunes have been highly acclaimed. There is no doubt that Westberg is one of the most legendary guitarists in NYC nowadays.
Jasper Sits Out is Westberg’s first solo album on vinyl in his 30 plus years career in music. Each record of this art edition comes with a numbered and signed reduction print done by the artist himself.
Jasper Sits Out is a document of Westberg’s exploration of guitar sound and texture. The two tracks are home recorded and produced and give the listener an intimate view into the artist’s inner spectrum. They are somewhat drone, a soundtrack for inner debates, or calming incidental music.
Track 1 utilizes beautifully layered guitar textures that flow in a mesmerizing crescendo; evoking a sensation akin to floating in the still waters of an ocean. This is countered by track 2 (Homeset Trunc) which feels much more menacing and overwhelming with its pummeling guitar crunching (doubling as percussion); transforming it into a rather sinking drone of sorts, constantly evolving as it rises and falls in variation.
Track Listing:
Side one: Jasper Sits Out, 23:19
Side two: Home Set Trunc, 20:18
Mastering by Roger Hofmann at The Rooster Company
Vinyl release March 2015
Distributed by A-Musik and Cargo Rec.