Review Summary: Excellent jazz composition.
Nafs at Peace is a jazz album. Songs typically start off slower or ambient, gradually bubbling into more drum led rhythms; the slow portions are lush and relaxing, but when drum beats get engaged it immediately locks you in. Songs shift from smooth and chill to immediately catchy in the blink of an eye. Middle Eastern/Indian instruments are utilized here, playing suitably foreign hooks, and intriguingly complex patterns. I expect a good rhythm from a jazz album, and once Jaubi reveals what’s behind the curtain, the beats are downright indulgent. Drum work is irreplaceable in Nafs at Peace, providing stable beats despite being quite complicated. Remarkably, drum beats in each song are different as night and day - the immense character of rhythm astounds.
The instrumentation is impressive on all fronts including funky bass lines (Zari comes to mind - a subtly punchy one). The production makes beauty possible, giving leeway for each separate piece, integrating them like a beautiful puzzle. Too often I find myself bored listening to jazz but there is no sleepy spell here. I may be getting older, but I know good jazz when I hear it. Do yourself a favour and try out Nafs at Peace, it may just change your mind about jazz music.
