The Pakistani jazz trio Jaubi has released their latest album, 'A Sound Heart', marking their continued evolution since their debut, 'Nafs at Peace', in 2021. Recorded in London with the assistance of producer Tenderlonious and a roster of talented musicians from the London jazz scene, including bassist Horatio Luna and drummer Tim Carnegie, the album stands as a tribute to iconic jazz figures like Bill Evans, Charles Mingus, and Wayne Shorter.
'A Sound Heart' delves into themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness, differing from their debut’s focus on personal struggle. This new work inspires a collective improvisation approach, inviting each musician to set aside their ego for a unified creative output. Guitarist Ali Riaz Baqar has penned compositions influenced by the Quran, allowing for a spiritually charged sound.
Tracks such as 'Soothing Mercy' highlight the collaborative synergy, as sarangi maestro Zohaib Hassan Khan's expressive playing balances Baqar's subtler guitar work. The album is divided into two sections—dynamic Desire and reflective Devotion—each evoking the intimacy of late-night jam sessions.
Listeners can anticipate melodies that intertwine Western jazz with traditional South Asian music, such as in tracks like 'Raga Bairagi Todi' and the title piece, 'A Sound Heart', which showcases the exquisite blend of sarangi and piano. The album is now available for purchase on Bandcamp.
For more insight, read the full review on the Bandcamp Daily.