Becky Malmborg – Under The Sun: Capturing the Radiance of Nu Jazz Piano

There are certain pieces of music that act as meteorological events. They don’t just provide a background melody; they change the temperature of the room. With her vibrant single “Under The Sun,” Swedish composer and pianist Becky Malmborg does exactly this. She disperses the clouds of a grey day and invites the listener into a sonic space defined by warmth, clarity, and unbridled optimism.

Released on the genre-bending imprint Klangspot Nu Jazzical, “Under The Sun” stands as a testament to the power of the acoustic piano when stripped of the melancholic “felt” aesthetics that currently dominate the streaming charts. While much of the modern Neoclassical scene thrives in the shadows—exploring themes of solitude and winter—Malmborg turns her face toward the light. This is music that celebrates presence, joy, and the life-affirming energy of the summer sky.

The Sonic Spectrum: Engineering “Brightness”

From an audio engineering perspective, capturing the feeling of “sunlight” is a specific technical challenge. “Dark” music is easy; you dampen the high frequencies and add reverb. But “bright” music requires a mastery of Transient Shaping and High-Frequency Content.

Unlike the muffled, intimate sound of the “felt piano” (where fabric softens the hammers), “Under The Sun” appears to utilize a concert grand piano recorded with the lid fully open.

• The Physics of the Sound: By allowing the hammers to strike the strings directly, the recording captures the full harmonic series. The initial “attack” of the note—the transient—is sharp and defined. In the frequency spectrum, this means there is rich information in the 2kHz to 5kHz range (presence) and the 10kHz+ range (air).

• Why it feels like “Sunlight”: Psychoacoustically, human ears associate high frequencies with proximity and daylight, while low, muffled frequencies are associated with distance and darkness. By emphasizing the “sparkle” of the upper register, the production physically mimics the sensation of bright light hitting the retina. It is a “crisp” sound, cutting through the silence with the clarity of a shadowless noon.

Nu Jazzical Harmony: The Sophistication of Joy

Writing happy music is difficult. It risks sounding trite or childish. This is where Becky Malmborg’s background in jazz education becomes the track’s secret weapon. She navigates the “Nu Jazzical” genre—a hybrid of Jazz complexity and Classical structure—to ensure the optimism feels earned and sophisticated.

The composition likely leans on Lydian or Major 7th tonalities. In music theory, the Lydian mode is often associated with “wonder” and “floating.” It is the sound of a major scale with a raised fourth degree. This subtle alteration creates a feeling of brightness that is slightly unresolved, suggesting that the horizon is endless.

• The Jazz Influence: Instead of simple block chords, listeners might detect extended harmonies (9ths and 11ths). These additional notes add color and texture. They turn a simple “happy” chord into a “blissful” or “ecstatic” chord. It gives the music a sense of maturity; this isn’t the naive happiness of a child, but the contented, reflective joy of an adult appreciating a moment of peace.

The Rhythm of a Summer Day

While many solo piano tracks rely on free-flowing, rubato timing (speeding up and slowing down dramatically), “Under The Sun” possesses a more driving, rhythmic core. There is a “groove” here that hints at the jazz roots of the composition.

This rhythmic stability is crucial for the track’s energy. It mimics the pulse of activity found in the natural world during the day. It isn’t a lullaby for sleep; it is a soundtrack for movement. The left hand often acts as the rhythm section, providing a steady, syncopated pulse that allows the right hand to dance freely across the melody. This independence between the hands showcases Malmborg’s technical facility—she is not just playing a song; she is improvising a mood.

The Scandinavian Perspective: Worshipping the Light

To truly understand the emotional weight of this track, one must consider the artist’s geography. Becky (Rebecca) Malmborg lives in Sweden. In Scandinavia, the sun is not taken for granted. The long, dark winters create a cultural appreciation for light that is unparalleled.

When the sun finally returns, it is a cause for national celebration. “Under The Sun” captures this specifically Nordic euphoria. It is the sound of “Midsommar”—of endless days where the sun barely sets.

• Emotional Resonance: For the listener, this translates into a feeling of relief. The track feels like the moment the sun breaks through the clouds after a week of rain. It triggers a release of serotonin, acting as a “musical antidepressant.” It reminds us that darkness is temporary and that the cycle of seasons always bends toward the light.

A Perfect Companion for Creative Flow

Because of its energetic yet non-intrusive nature, “Under The Sun” serves a different utilitarian purpose than most ambient music. It is not for sleeping; it is for Creating.

• The “Coffee Shop” Effect: The track has enough dynamic movement to keep the brain alert. It works perfectly as a background for brainstorming sessions, painting, or writing.

• Morning Motivation: Playing this track first thing in the morning sets a “high-frequency” intention for the day. It signals to the brain that it is time to wake up, engage, and shine.

Conclusion: A Ray of Audio Sunshine

In a musical landscape often obsessed with moody aesthetics and lo-fi grit, “Under The Sun” is a refreshing palate cleanser. Becky Malmborg has crafted a piece that is unapologetically bright. She uses the full sonic capabilities of the grand piano to create a soundscape that shimmers.

It is a reminder that technical prowess—from the recording of the transients to the complexity of the jazz harmonies—can be used to convey the simplest and most beautiful of human emotions: Joy. So, if you are feeling the weight of a grey day, put on your headphones, press play, and let the sunshine in.