The first single from the new album is “Language of Love” featuring keyboard legend Bob James.
The way world jazz guitarist Reza Khan sees and defines mystical is part mystery and part magic. In the case of his seventh album, “Mystical,” which was released last Friday (March 15), the musician-composer was intrigued by the unknown possibilities found in the collaborative process. Khan’s curiosity inspired him to invite a handful of Grammy winners and nominees along with Billboard chart-toppers to collaborate with him on the ten-song set of contemporary jazz, fusion, world music and new age that he wrote for the collection produced by David Mann (Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Sting, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Billy Joel).
“Mystical” is comprised of seven new compositions and three reimagined songs culled from Khan’s catalogue. The first single from the set that showcases Khan’s global brand of contemporary jazz and world music is a tune from his 2011 “Simple Plan” album titled “Language of Love.” The latest version, which features Khan collaborating with two-time Grammy winner Bob James, began collecting radio spins and playlist adds on Monday (March 18).
Adding authentic cultural nuances from around the world into the music mix, the Bangladesh-born, New York City-based Khan collaborated on “Mystical” with Japanese pianist Keiko Matsui, French keyboardist Philippe Saisse and German guitarist Nils Jiptner. Also featured on the album are Grammy-winning fusion pioneer Jeff Lorber on keyboards and three-time Grammy-winning bassist Jimmy Haslip.
“Mystical” is Khan’s first album on which he turned to an outside producer, having produced his previous recordings. After successfully collaborating on Khan’s “Imaginary Road” album in 2021, the guitarist, who plays electric, nylon and acoustic guitars in the company of icons and first-call session players on “Mystical,” handed the production duties over to Mann, who also played saxophone, flute, keyboards, and percussion on some of the tracks.
Khan launched the album last Friday with a concert at Maxan Jazz in Las Vegas and will celebrate the record release with a show this Saturday (March 23) at the Blue Note Jazz Club. He’ll be accompanied by saxophonist Jeff Kashiwa, pianist Matt King, bassist Leo Traversa, drummer Mauricio Zottarelli, percussionist Fernando Saci, and vocalists Olivia Foschi and Jennifer Grimm. Other upcoming concert dates include the Velvet Note in Alpharetta, GA on May 24 and Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis on May 26.
Below is a sampling of the initial “Mystical” reviews:
“Jazz Guitarist Reza Khan’s Release ‘Mystical’ is a Sweet Masterpiece.” – The Pulse of Entertainment/EUR Web
“With the insatiable impetus of absolute perfection, he (Khan) has created a new masterpiece with numerous well-known musicians…Reza Khan's album Mystical is full of beautiful moments. As diverse as the world, it is a musical reflection of this highly talented globetrotter.” – Smooth Jazz Daily
“A beautiful album with equally beautiful collaborations! It takes you on a musical, mystical journey, and makes you think along the way.” – Cultuurmania
“Reza Khan has enlisted the dynamic talents of well-respected musicians to play on his project…If smooth jazz is your preference, (with a sweet touch of World music) then this project fits your profile perfectly. The arrangements, for the most part, are easy-listening, meditative and relaxing.” - Making A Scene!
“The musical chemistry that David Mann and Reza Khan have is there for all to see and the approach they have taken in composing music for ‘Mystical’ with specific featured artists in mind has resulted in a dazzling line-up.” – Smooth Jazz Therapy
For more information, please visit https://rezakhanmusic.com.
Best selling smooth jazz at amazon.com
Jazz from Amazon.com
No comments:
Post a Comment