Description
SHIPS 3/15/2024
Featuring
Dave Mann, Bob James, Nils, Keiko Matsui, Jimmy Haslip, Jeff Lorber, Philippe Saisse, Mark Egan
Reza Khan made the fascinating decision on his seventh solo project Mystical, to co-write songs with longtime associate and veteran saxophonist David Mann and target each composition towards an intended guest artist pays off excitingly – starting with the five tracks targeted as potential radio singles. Two of them, “Language of Love” and “Catalina’s Dream” are re-imagined versions of older Khan tracks, produced by Mann and featuring all new musicians. Building off a foundation of Khan on lead guitar, Bern Schoenhardt on rhythm guitar, Mann on keys and sax, Khan’s guest list – all of whom immediately agreed to participate – includes Philippe Saisse, Nils, Jeff Lorber, Bob James, Keiko Matsui, a unique array of bassists including Mark Egan, Jimmy Haslip, Brendan Rothwell, Mel Browne and drummers Gary Novak, Brian Dunne and Lionel Cordew. Throughout Mystical, Khan opens the door to new creativity opportunities by looking outside himself and his usual crew of greats. Its stellar tracks include sparkling reworkings of old songs, excellent hit-bound new tunes written with saxophonist David Mann, and songs featuring legendary genre artists Khan had in mind when crafting the songs. There’s no doubt that working from a different mindset has led to a new level of infectious creative transcendence.
