Since launching in 2016, London via Poland imprint Astigmatic Records have garnered a reputation for left of centre jazz and folk explorations. Next up on the release schedule are Jaubi, roughly translating as the Urdu word for “whatever”, who an experimental ensemble recognised for fusing traditional Hindi music with Hip-Hop and Jazz. After releasing a full length on the label a few years ago they return with a reinterpretation of Nas’ classic ‘NY State of Mind’, fuelled by a desire to translate the story to reflect the struggle of living in the Pakistani city of Lahore.
Our premiere is a rework of the title track ‘Lahore State of Mind’, lovingly reconstructed by South London percussionist and 22A mainstay Al Dobson Jr. Proving a perfect match for this release, he introduces his signature deep bump, awakening a feeling of mystery and laying out a foundation for Jaubi’s subtle drum patterns and sarangi strings to flourish.
Lahore State Of Mind is out on 3rd August. Preorder via Jaubi’s Bandcamp.