A Sound Heart is the second album by Pakistani jazz-fusion instrumental quartet Jaubi. Their philosophy of making music is to create whatever sounds and feels good. They vehemently oppose the idea of writing on black-and-white music sheets; rather, they compose everything by ear.

Jaubi was formed in 2013 in Lahore, Pakistan, and consists of Ali Riaz Baqar on guitar, Zohaib Hassan Khan on Sarangi, Qammar “Vicky” Abbas on percussion, and Kashif Ali Dhani on tabla.  This Pakistani ensemble is known and praised for blending traditional South Asian sounds with modal jazz, hip-hop, and elements of classical influence.

A Sound Heart is undoubtedly the outcome of an honest adherence to Jaubi’s core tenets. The opening track, “Lahori Blues,” features saxophonist Tenderlonious, Jaubi’s long-time collaborator. “Chandrakauns” and “Wings Of Submission” show off the member’s knack for fusion seamlessly, blending saxophone with Indian flute and Sarangi. “Throw It Down” leans more on the funky side of the quartet and is immediately balanced out by the following track. 

“Raga Bairagi Todi” features a traditional Sarangi melody over jazz guitar harmony. “Mingusterstood” pays homage to the legend Charles Mingus, which is breathtakingly good. I bet Mingus would have agreed with me on this.

The next track, “Soothing Mercy,” is like a clean jazz guitar and piano ballad. “A Sound Heart and “Forgive Me” are the most melancholic tracks on this album. These two songs are bound to stir up pensive introspection. The title track is inspired by Bill Evans and dedicated to the bandleader’s father. “Reflections Of God” will take listeners through the whole spectrum of emotions. It is a perfect ending track for such an outstanding album.

Jaubi’s A Sound Heart is much more than “whatever sounds and feels good.” The spiritually uplifting and heartfelt journey shatters and rebuilds the superfluous boundary between genres and cultures.