Jal – of ‘woh lamhay’ fame

Jal is an Urdu word of Persian origin, which simply means ‘water’. An element that constitutes of 70% of our being, and more than 2/3 rd of the earth. The inspiration behind the band's name affirms the intimate connection of water to the rhythms of our lives-and how it is something to be celebrated, revered, and preserved for all times to come. The name ‘Jal' is the product of the band's vision to recognize Music as the artistic extension of this natural unity. Water is truly one of the most sacred parts of our existence and the band's music celebrates that concept by orchestrating a symphony of lyrics and music that is as limitless and timeless as itself. The result was Jal-the band; which is a collaboration between three exceedingly gifted individuals; Goher Mumtaz, Farhan Saeed and Shazi. The oft-quoted statement that "Music is the universal language of mankind” holds particularly true when it comes to Jal's music. Their Music like water itself knows no exceptions, and boundaries. It aims to cater to people from all spheres of life and of all ages. Jal's sound primarily falls in the pop/soft rock genre. Playing along the lines of Latin-Acoustic Guitars; the main emphasis of their music is on the melodies and the lyrical content. Keeping their songs melodious and catchy at the same time the band believes that music is truly the world's universal language capable of bringing our hearts and souls together. A well composed song, personified with honest and heart felt lyrics and spirited rhythms, will eventually be heard by music enthusiasts all around the world. Owing to its universal appeal Jal's lyrics' are a subtle manifestation of emotions expressed in an energetic and harmonious manner. Fueled by the desire to freshen up the pop/rock genre in Pakistan these qualities give Jal's music a very high degree of accessibility both in terms of composition and lyrics. Jal was formed in Lahore in 2002 when Goher Mumtaz composed his first song by the name of “Aadat.” Soon after, began his search for like minded musicians to complete his band. He ran into Shazi (Aamir) - a Bass guitarist and after a few jamming sessions he invited Shazi to join Jal, and together they went about looking for a vocalist. Some time later Goher heard Atif singing in a local College Music Competition, impressed by his vocal range he offered Atif to join the band and to do vocals for the song “Aadat.” Jal's first single “Aadat” was released in Dec 2003. Before the release of its video “Aadat” was released on the internet through a local Pakistani web portal. The song enjoyed the status of the most downloaded Pakistani song on the internet for quite some time and was extensively popular by the time the video was released. Directed by Umer Anwar the single burst into the Pakistani music scene and took it by storm. Receiving an amazing amount of air time by all the music channels and entering music charts. The video was rated 4th best Video of the year 2003 by ARY -The Musik within days of its release. The success of the “Aadat” can partly be gauged by the countless concert offers the band received immediately after the release of the song and partly by it's ratting to date on music channels. However, by the end of December 2003 due to musical differences, Atif parted ways with the band while Goher once again searched for a Lead vocalist for Jal. It was then that Sultan Raja (Bassist of Call) introduced Farhan Saeed Butt to Goher and thus Jal found a new voice. By the time Jal came up with their new line-up “Aadat's” video was already doing rounds on the local music channels with the former singer Atif Aslam's vocals. The song was thus re-done for the official release in their debut album.
Goher Mumtaz - Vocals/Lead & Rhythm Guitars/Compositions/Lyrics
Ferhan Saeed - Lead Vocals
Shazi (Aami) - Bass guitarist
Jal - Live Act includes
Waqar - Drums [eP]
Sultan - Rhythm Guitars [Call]