Baloch benju maestro Ustad Noor Bakhsh's debut album 'Jingul' releases exclusively on Bandcamp

The debut solo album by Baloch Benju maestro, Ustad Noor Bakhsh, titled Jingul, releases exclusively on Bandcamp today through the newly founded label, honiunhoni. The Ustad was already well known across the Makran Coast and in Balochistan, but his work has brought him international fame this year.

The album can be purchased for high-quality download and streaming via Bandcamp here. All proceeds from the album go directly to the artist. Bandcamp will also waive all processing fees for purchases taking place on Friday, September 2.

The release is highly anticipated since videos of Ustad Noor Bakhsh playing went globally viral earlier this year and garnered massive attention across the world, particularly from Indian, European, and North American audiences.

The album is named Jingul, after a bird that often frequents Noor's house, and whose songs inspired the last track on this release — an original by the Ustad. Ustad Noor Bakhsh plays an electric benju, amplified using an old pick up and Phillips amp that he found in a market in Karachi three decades ago.

The album was recorded live on location, by Daniyal Ahmed, the founder of honiunhoni, over a memorable sunset on the Shadi Kaur creek, close to Noor's village, near Pasni. He is accompanied on the damboora by Jamadar Gohram and Doshambay.

The album was mixed and mastered by Nizar Lalani, legendary Pakistani music producer who is well known for his work on iconic albums such as String’s Duur, Junoon’s Inquilaab, Hadiqa Kiyani’s Roshni, and Aamir Zaki’s Signature. The cover is designed by Abeera Kamran.

The Ustad is in Karachi for his album release and enjoying his rejuvenated popularity, particularly amongst the Baloch communities of the city.

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