Lina Nyberg, a prominent figure in the contemporary jazz scene, reveals her diverse musical influences and perspectives in a recent interview. Her selections, spanning various genres and artists, underscore her deep appreciation for both established and emerging talents, as well as her commitment to exploring the evolving landscape of music.
Nyberg’s first recommendation highlights Cécile McLorin Salvant, an acclaimed American jazz vocalist. Nyberg expresses admiration for Salvant’s vocal prowess, stage presence, and artistic versatility, noting her unique ability to blend traditional jazz elements with a contemporary sensibility. This appreciation extends beyond Salvant’s musical performance to her visual artistry, as she designs her own album covers. Nyberg recounts a live performance where the song selection seemed spontaneous, yet the musical execution remained impeccable, highlighting the improvisational core of jazz.
Further emphasizing the global reach of her musical interests, Nyberg spotlights Brazilian singer Ilessi and her song ”Um baobá e eu” from the album ”Atlântico negro”. Having spent time in Brazil, Nyberg holds a particular fascination for the country’s vibrant and diverse music scene. She connects with the song’s title, translating to ”Me and the Baobab Tree,” and identifies with the emotional resonance and evocative imagery it conveys.
Shifting focus to emerging artists, Nyberg champions Sabina Levin Small Orchestra and their composition ”Winter/Spring.” Having known Levin since her student days, Nyberg recognizes her distinctive musical voice and praises the song’s timely reflection of the transition from winter’s bleakness to the promise of spring. This endorsement showcases Nyberg’s commitment to nurturing and promoting new talent within the music community.
Continuing her exploration of contemporary jazz, Nyberg recommends the collaborative work of Sofia Jernberg and Alexander Hawkins. Jernberg, a renowned vocalist across Europe, pairs with British pianist Hawkins to create a dynamic duo. Nyberg lauds their individual artistry and the synergy they achieve through their collaboration, finding inspiration in their distinct yet complementary musical expressions.
Venturing beyond the realm of jazz, Nyberg embraces a different genre, inspired by her daughter’s musical interests. She highlights American rapper Doechii’s Tiny Desk Concert performance, specifically praising the rendition of ”Denial is a River.” The stripped-down, unplugged format of the performance amplifies the song’s emotional impact, showcasing Doechii’s artistry in a raw and powerful setting.
Beyond specific musical recommendations, Nyberg engages with broader cultural discussions, including the ongoing debate surrounding artistic research. As a lecturer in vocal performance, she cites Staffan Julén’s perspective on the role of proven experience and artistic practice in research. Nyberg emphasizes the importance of this ongoing discourse, highlighting the value of questioning, discussing, and examining different perspectives to foster openness and critical thinking within the field.
Moreover, Nyberg is a strong advocate for female artists, particularly within the jazz genre, which she observes often lags in terms of gender equality. Her commitment to highlighting women in music stems from her extensive work on gender equality issues within the industry. This advocacy reflects her deep-rooted belief in the importance of representation and equity within the arts.
Nyberg’s connection to Brazilian music, a significant influence in her artistic journey, traces back to her formative years. Inspired by her teacher, Irene Sjögren, and various colleagues, Nyberg developed a deep appreciation for the unique rhythms and cultural richness of Brazilian music. She finds the genre’s undefinable quality to be its most captivating aspect, fueling her ongoing exploration and fascination.
Finally, Nyberg discusses her album ”Lost in the Stars,” a tribute to Kurt Weill. Recognizing Weill’s integration into the jazz repertoire, she delves into the narrative depth of his lyrics, which inspired her to write responses from different perspectives. Her original composition, ”Mandarine Moon,” exemplifies this approach, offering a fresh interpretation through the lens of Surabaya-Johnny, a character from Weill’s work. This project showcases Nyberg’s creative engagement with existing material, transforming it through her unique artistic vision.
