Take Five With Pål Nyberg

Meet Pål Nyberg:

Pål Nyberg is an internationally working guitarist and composer. Recently, Nyberg released his debut album Culture of Peace (Stockholm Jazz, 2013). Over the past few years, he has been involved in numerous international projects with collaborators from most parts of Europe, South and North America, as well as the Far East. Since graduating the renowned Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2010, he has been busy traveling and playing with many of the great young improvisers of the diverse jazz and improv scene of Scandinavia and continental Europe.

Instrument(s):

Electric and acoustic guitars.

Teachers and/or influences?

Like most musicians, I guess I have many influences—too many to mention really. But I had the chance to study with great guitarist Jesse van Ruller for a year in 2009. I think that year had a big impact on my musicianship and guitar playing.

Your sound and approach to music:

I always look for acoustic qualities in sounds. Even when I play electric guitar, I want it to sound as acoustic as possible. I think that jazz guitar players shouldn't be so scared to cut some bass and add some treble to their sound.

Your teaching approach:

I really enjoy teaching guitar. I've also been teaching music theory and composition, which I also really like. I find it very satisfying to see my students' progress on an instrument. I also think that I learn a lot about my own playing.

Road story: Your best or worst experience:

Right before a gig in Holland, and old crack in the headstock of my guitar went up. It was really bad but it was actually possible to play. I didn't have an extra guitar with me, so I didn't really have any choice but to go up there and play the gig. Five minutes after the encore, the guitar broke down completely. It was the scariest gig I've ever did.

Favorite venue:

I don't have a special favorite venue. But I realized that I prefer playing smaller venues. You often get a much better connection with the audience.

What is in the near future?

A lot of different exciting projects are going on at the moment. But the most current ones are the two duo records that are already recorded and are just waiting to be released. One with New York based pianist Eva Novoa and one with Swedish saxophonist Lars Hedstierna. I'm also working on material for a solo guitar album and one for a bigger ensemble.