REZA KHAN MYSTICAL

March 11, 2024

REZA KHAN

MYSTICAL

Independent label

Reza Khan, acoustic & electric guitars/composer/producer; David Mann, composer/arranger/ producer/keyboards/drum programming/soprano, tenor & alto saxophone; Jeff Lorber, keyboards/mini-moog; Jimmy Haslip, electric bass; Brandon Rothwell, Mark Egan & Mel Brown, bass; Gary Novak, Brian Dunne, & Lionel Cordew, drums; Bernd Schoenhart, rhythm guitar/ additional acoustic guitar; Programming, saxophone; Bob James, Keiko Matsui & Philippe Saisse, piano; Nils Jiptner, electric guitar.

First of all, the album cover is quite provocative with one giant eye housing a human figure playing guitar and standing inside the eyelid, reminiscent of the opening scene of the “For Your Eyes Only” a James Bond Movie. However, the music is not as startling as this CD cover. It is more laid-back, in a smooth-jazz kind of way. Beginning with “Falcon” a song that features impressive keyboard solos by Jeff Lorber, and Reza Khan shines brightly on guitar. Khan has composed all of the music, often collaborating with producer David Mann. The composition by Khan, “Language of Love” features a guest appearance by iconic pianist, Bob James. This song has more energy and excitement than the first two tunes and is scheduled to be released as a single. Back in 2013, Reza and Bob James recorded “Summer Secret.” They happily have merged talents once again on this more recent project.

“Catalina’s Dream” is a Khan tune that features his guitar in the spotlight throughout and adds a taste of East Indian culture to the arrangement. On the fifth track, Jennifer Grimm adds warm vocals to the mix on “Bahia Mama” and David Mann is featured on multi-instruments including keyboards, drum programming, flute, and tenor saxophone. The composition “Rising” puts me in a good mood, with Dunne’s drums slapping the rhythm into place. In my opinion, this tune, slathered in funk, should have opened the album.

Reza Khan has enlisted the dynamic talents of well-respected musicians to play on his project. This collaboration with some of the most talented and renowned musicians in the world of jazz includes guest appearances by Grammy winners Bob James, Keiko Matsui, Jeff Lorber, Jimmy Haslip, Philippe Saisse and Billboard chart-topper, Nils Jiptner.

“Mystical is a collection of ten original songs that display musical versatility and creativity. Each of these musicians has contributed their own style and flair to the songs, creating a musical synergy that is both captivating and inspiring,” says the Bangladesh-born, New York City-based Reza Khan.

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. Check out Reza Khan at the Blue Note in 2020 performing a song from an earlier album.

This new album is scheduled for a future release at the Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC on March 23, 2024.

Reviewed by Dee Dee McNeil

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