The Pakistan-born and Brooklyn-residing vocalist and composer, Arooj Aftab, was until recently a relatively undiscovered jewel in the creative music circles of New York. Her unique style which blends classical South Asian vocal traditions with more current jazz rhythms, also incorporates elements of minimalism, new music, alternative folk and ambient genres. As of 2022, Aftab had released three intriguing and captivating albums unlike any others.
That same year, she garnered two Grammy nominations for top new artist and best global music performance. Aftab made history as the first Pakistani musician to be awarded a Grammy when she claimed the latter award. In 2023, she signed a deal with reputable jazz label Verve, marking the release of her collaborative album, Love in Exile, with pianist Vijay Iyer and multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily. Aftab’s star was thus on the rise with widespread acclaim for the album.
Aftab’s forthcoming record is set to follow this upward trajectory. Night Reign is a descriptive nine-track compilation delving into a spectrum of nightly explorations such as solitude, romance, desire, and liberation. Accompanying these introspections are a captivating team of recurring collaborators like harpist Maeve Gilchrist and guitarist Gyan Riley, and special appearances by spoken-word artist Moor Mother, vibraphonist Joel Ross and R&B songwriter Cautious Clay, who features on the flute.
At the heart of the album’s sonic and emotional fabric is Aftab’s exceedingly rich, warm, and moving voice, which she employs in both Urdu and English. Particularly when she ascends into higher vocal ranges and sustains a high note, as on Bolo Na, her voice is truly captivating. The songs, which are largely simple and controlled, gradually unravel in Aftab’s compositions, adding to the overall poignant intensity and slow build.
An excerpt from I Am Not an Alcoholic follows: ‘I would like a non-alcoholic Guinness,’ says the man. ‘Do you want a colouring book and crayons as well?’
“Unequivocally, the music presents an interesting mix of being airy yet profound, uncomplicated yet intricate, traditional yet taking a leap to transcendent ideas. A term that Aftab has come close to describing such sound would be “Global soul”. This phrase aptly suggests the music’s all-embracing nature along with its depth of emotions. According to her, it isn’t any defined genre, rather it’s intrinsically personal. Night Reign’s power and emotional impact is magnified by this paradoxical mix.
[Niamh Regan: ‘Come as You Are’ – candid contemplations on existence, romance, and interpersonal relationships]”