One of the more compelling concerts on the calendar as summer slowly fades into autumn arrives tonight (September 19), as Arooj Aftab comes to town for an evening at the Paradise Rock Club.
The Grammy-winning Pakistani singer, composer, and producer released enchanting new album Night Reign in May via Verve, lending its title to this current North American tour. Around the time the record hit shelves both digital and physical, the emerging jazz artist dangled a Tessa Thompson-directed video for “Raat Ki Rani” to set the mood. It’s a captivating work.
“Some nights are for falling in love, some are for solitude and introspection, some are to be annoyed at a forced social gathering — and so go the stories of Night Reign,” Aftab says.
Collaborators on the record include returning conspirators Petros Klampanis and Maeve Gilchrist, as well as Cautious Clay, Chocolate Genius, James Francies, and Thompson’s father, Marc Anthony Thompson. It feels like the type of effort that transcends any easy categorization or genre limitation. And we’re excited to hear how it all plays out on stage tonight at the ‘Dise.
AROOJ AFTAB + KALIA VANDEVER :: Thursday, September 19 at the Paradise Rock Club, 967 Commonwealth Ave. in Boston, MA :: 7 p.m., 18-plus, $35 :: Event info :: Advance tickets