Rikard From: 'For Ever So Long' - 9-Minute Nu Jazzical Piano

In a streaming era defined by the “skip rate,” where songs are shrinking to under two minutes to maximize play counts, releasing a nine-minute solo piano track is an act of quiet rebellion. It is a statement that art refuses to be rushed. With “For Ever So Long,” Swedish composer and pianist Rikard From challenges the listener to stop scrolling and start drifting.

Released on the specialized imprint Klangspot Nu Jazzical, this track is a monumental piece of contemporary instrumental music. It serves as a perfect introduction to a genre that sits comfortably between the smokey improvisation of a late-night jazz club and the structural purity of Neoclassical composition. For those seeking a soundtrack for deep contemplation, reading, or simply watching the rain fall, this release is a rare find.

What is the 'Nu Jazzical' Sound and How Does it Break Genre Walls?

Rikard From is not interested in rigid definitions. “For Ever So Long” embodies the spirit of “Nu Jazzical”—a term that describes the intersection where the freedom of Jazz meets the emotional clarity of Classical music.

Typically, Neoclassical music (think Ludovico Einaudi) relies on repetitive, simple loops. Jazz, on the other hand, can sometimes feel chaotic or demanding to the untrained ear. Rikard From finds the “Goldilocks Zone.” He utilizes the rich, complex chords of jazz—major sevenths, ninths, and suspended harmonies—but plays them with the restraint and patience of a minimalist composer.

• Why it works: This hybrid style engages the brain just enough to prevent boredom (thanks to the jazz harmonies) but maintains a steady, hypnotic pulse that induces relaxation. It is sophisticated without being overwhelming.

How Does the 'Modified Upright' Piano Contribute to the Production Aesthetic?

Audio files often feel sterile, but “For Ever So Long” feels like a living organism. A key component of this sound is Rikard From’s instrument of choice: a Modified Upright Piano.

Unlike the pristine, glassy sound of a Steinway Concert Grand found in classical concert halls, an upright piano has a shorter string scale and a more contained resonance. From a production standpoint, this track showcases the beauty of “Mechanical Noise.”

• The Intimacy of Imperfection: If you listen with high-quality headphones, you are not just hearing the notes; you are hearing the machine. The slight thud of the hammers, the creak of the wooden bench, and the release of the damper pedal are all preserved in the mix.

• Close-Miking Technique: The microphones are likely placed inside the piano casing, just inches from the strings. This captures the “breath” of the instrument. It removes the sound of the “room” (reverb) and replaces it with the sound of the “wood.” This creates a psychoacoustic effect of intimacy—it sounds as if the piano is being played inside your own head, fostering a deep sense of solitude and connection.

The Science of “Long-Form” Listening

At nearly nine minutes long, “For Ever So Long” offers a specific cognitive benefit that shorter tracks cannot provide: Sustained Flow State.

Every time a song changes on a playlist, there is a micro-interruption in your attention. The brain has to process a new key signature, a new tempo, and a new texture. This can subtly break your concentration during deep work or meditation. By sustaining a single mood for nine minutes, Rikard From allows the listener’s brain to “sync” with the audio. The tempo settles into a rhythm that mirrors a resting heart rate. The music evolves slowly, introducing new motifs only after the previous ones have been fully explored. This structural patience prevents the “fight or flight” response triggered by rapid changes, allowing for a deeper, more restorative mental state.

Nordic Noir: The Atmosphere of the North

Hailing from Sweden, Rikard From’s music inevitably carries the DNA of the Nordic landscape. There is a sense of vastness and melancholy in “For Ever So Long” that evokes images of grey skies, snow-covered forests, and the long, dark winters of Scandinavia.

This “Nordic Noir” atmosphere is achieved through the use of space. From is not afraid of silence. He lets notes hang in the air, decaying naturally until they disappear. This use of “negative space” is what gives the track its cinematic quality. It is storytelling without words, capturing a feeling of nostalgia that is universal—a longing for a time or place that may never have existed.

How Does 'For Ever So Long' Offer a Sanctuary in Sound?

“For Ever So Long” is more than just a track; it is a retreat. In a world that constantly demands we move faster, Rikard From invites us to slow down. It is a reminder that beauty often takes time to unfold.

Whether you are a jazz aficionado looking for something more meditative, or a Neoclassical fan seeking richer harmonies, this track on Klangspot Nu Jazzical is an essential listen. It proves that the piano, an instrument with centuries of history, still has new stories to tell—especially when played by hands that know how to listen to the silence between the keys.