Not too long ago EABS pianist and bandleader Marek “Latarnik” Pędziwiatr guested with Jaubi for their 2021 debut Nafs at Peace. And now, with the number of performers on In Search of a Better Tomorrow far exceeding that prior collision, this international crew looks to spread the good word of Jazz through the guise of their united regional tongues. The Poland-based EABS, has explored sounds in their discography ranging from Classical interpretations (Slavic Spirits) to space Jazz flights (Discipline of Sun Ra) to Hip Hop derived amalgamations of it all (2061). The Pakistan-centered Jaubi, on the other hand, leans largely on native instruments and modalities (like ragas and devotionals) to flex their Jazz fingers—recognizably Coltrane but with a distinct worldly flair.
Experimental, jamming, and wisely restrained, Latarnik guides the deeply stylized wiles of the junior Jaubi through his closet of keys, synths, and other noise machines. It helps too that the pair share a love of Hip Hop rhythms, which makes up the backbone of groovier mid-album cuts “Strange Love” and “People in Between”. Consequently, this mutual expansion lends a smart use to EABS woodwind maestro Olaf Węgier, whose prowess with the bass clarinet sputters and snorts as the star, even affording him a snake-y solo bit—not that any one performer doesn’t get a solo. In Search of Tomorrow, true to the noodling nature of spiritual Jazz, lets every instrument shine, whether it be the tabla and sarangi that Jaubi bring (“Whispers”, “Madhuvanti”) or the trumpets and saxes that EABS bring (“Judgement Day”, “Sun”). Truthfully, it can feel overwhelming with as much solo work that this collaboration offers, and the ballad-driven trio of “Raise Your Hearts, Drop Your Guns”, “Tomorrow”, and “Madhuvanti” goes a long way in keeping things smooth.
Countries may divide them, but Jazz threatens to host them as one happy family. In Search of a Better Tomorrow is two bands at play, so even when it drags a bit (and it definitely does drag on longer compositions), it’s still light-hearted and enjoyable. EABS meets Jaubi, at the very least, has proven that a long distance relationship benefits from heavy solo play.
