Reza Khan | "Mystical"

The element of the unknown is inherent when artists come together to collaborate. World jazz guitarist Reza Khan is intrigued by that mystery, seeing magic in the creative process and finding the results to be mystical. Putting his eager  curiosity and desire to experiment into practice, he invited a handful of Grammy-recognized musicians and Billboard hitmakers to join him and producer, songwriter and horn player David Mann on a collaborative recording adventure. The resultant collection, “Mystical,” will arrive on March 8.    

Khan has a lengthy history of collaborating with Mann, who as a saxophonist, flutist and woodwinds player has worked with superstars - from Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga to Sting, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Madonna, Billy Joel, The Eagles and Tower of Power along with seminal jazzers Jeff Lorber, Chuck Loeb, Michael Franks, Dave Koz and The Rippingtons. Mann was Khan’s first call to cowrite and produce the album when he conceived the project. On Khan’s six albums, he had never before turned the producer’s duties completely over to anyone, but he trusted Mann to helm “Mystical” after having had a really positive experience on his previous outing, 2021’s “Imaginary Road.”

“David Mann and I have a great musical chemistry and share a vision of creating music that is innovative and eclectic. David played saxophone, flute, keyboards, and percussion on some of the tracks, adding his signature touch of groove and melody to the songs,” said Khan, who will celebrate the album release with a concert date at New York City’s Blue Note Jazz Club on March 23.

With Mann aboard, Khan decided to do something else he never did before: begin composing music for the album with specific featured artists in mind – even before asking if they would be willing to guest on the album. Khan’s leap of faith paid off when every single one of them - two-time Grammy winner Bob James, Grammy winner Lorber, three-time Grammy winner Jimmy Haslip, Grammy nominees Keiko Matsui and Philippe Saisse, and Billboard chart-topper Nils Jiptner - eagerly accepted the invitation to collaborate with the guitarist on “Mystical” based on the lofty standards of musicianship, songwriting and production exhibited on Khan’s well-crafted contemporary jazz, fusion, world music and new age albums.

“‘Mystical’ is a collection of ten original songs that display musical versatility and creativity. The album is also the result of my collaboration with some of the most talented and renowned musicians in the jazz and world music scene. Each of these musicians has contributed their own style and flair to the songs, creating a musical synergy that is both captivating and inspiring,” said the Bangladesh-born, New York City-based Khan about the album made up of seven new songs and three reimagined tunes culled from his catalogue.

Lorber’s fusion-y keyboards and mini-Moog feature on the album opener, “Falcon.” Khan’s nylon and electric guitars soar majestically on the track that gets a power boost from Mann’s horn section.

“The song is inspired by the falcon, a symbol of freedom, courage, and vision, setting the tone of the record with a bird’s eye view of the album,” explained Khan.

The enchanting title track possesses atmospheric qualities with Mann’s mid-tune soprano saxophone flight adding humanlike emotion to the lush, ethereal arrangement. Wielding his acoustic and electric guitars, Khan pays tribute to the “mystical and spiritual aspects of music, and how it can connect us to a higher reality.”   

The first single, “Language of Love,” initially appeared on Khan’s 2011 “Simple Plan” album. His electric guitar and Mann’s tenor sax provide the parlance on the updated version, which is bolstered by James’s ardent piano poetry and bassist Brendan Rothwell’s plunging rhythm pockets.

“Bob James adds his signature touch of elegance and sophistication to the song about the universal language of love, and how it can overcome any barriers and differences. In this case, it depicts the foreplay between the piano, guitars and the sax,” said Khan.  

"Catalina’s Dream” is a romantic tryst brought into focus by Khan’s exotic nylon guitar riffs and rhythms. Saisse’s storming piano solo erupts fancifully amidst the cascading playground of horns deployed with precision by Mann.    

Vocalist Jennifer Grimm sang “Bahia’s Mama” on Khan’s 2009 debut album, “Painted Diaries.” Her voice track remains on the lively remake that pays homage to Khan’s love of Brazilian jazz. He uses his nimble nylon guitar play and the sensual qualities of Grimm’s voice to relish in the joy and romance of Brazilian music and culture.    

Mann wrote the initial ideas for “Rising,” a motivational tune about rising above challenges and difficulties while striving for dreams and goals. He asked Khan to write additional passages while incorporating an electric guitar solo that engages Mann’s tenor sax in empowering banter.

The positivity continues on “Look at the Bright Side,” which beams energetically via the duet between Jiptner’s electric guitar and Khan’s nylon guitar affirmations. Khan and Jiptner’s previous collaboration, “Drop of Faith,” became Khan’s first Billboard top ten single, which appeared on Khan’s 2019 album, “Next Train Home.”

Matsui’s appearance on the album is quite personal to Khan, who has another career, that of a program manager for the United Nations. While getting caught in a dangerous sandstorm on the drive from Kuwait City to the Iraqi border, he listened to the Japanese pianist’s music to soothe his nerves. Matsui lends her distinctive blend of contemporary jazz, world fusion, classical and Asian music to “Strum.”

Providing another bolt of optimism, “Positivity” is a rousing, life-affirming tune enriched by a trio of solo voices: Khan’s jubilant electric guitar, Mann’s sunny soprano sax and lyrical basslines etched by Mark Egan (Pat Metheny Group, Gil Evans Orchestra). 

Khan plays acoustic guitar to close the collection with a serene stroll amidst swatches of sweeping orchestral strings crafted by Mann on “Whispering Trees.” Khan said, “Whispering trees is a metaphor for the secrets and wisdom of nature, and how they can calm and heal us.”

Throughout “Mystical,” Khan’s agile guitarwork shines while collaborating with legends and icons, chart-topping soloists, and esteemed first-call session musicians. Collaborating on the compelling compositions that make up the setlist that are vividly realized through Mann’s production palette bodes to elevate Khan’s stature with his global brand of contemporary jazz meets world music.      

“‘Mystical’ is a musical journey taking the listener to various places and exploring a variety of moods and emotions. The album is a testament to my musical vision that plays out in an aural theater. It is an album that will take you on a musical adventure, making you feel and think along the way.”