For those unaware, since his 2009 debut Painted Diaries, Bangladesh-born, New York–based guitarist and composer Reza Khan has written conceptually, enlisting heavy hitters from world music and contemporary jazz to weave lush musical storylines.

His new album, Shadow Dancers incorporates fresh new material, and a new approach to ideas written but never before published, reshaped in a more personal context.

He describes the music as moving freely between contemporary jazz, fusion, and global traditions, without being tied to a single genre. The first single, “Sunset Walk”, follows a relationship through tension, conflict, and eventual resolution. It unfolds within a nocturnal setting, continuing his long-standing interest in shaping albums around a central idea.

The core ensemble features Khan on guitar, sound design, and santoor — an extension of his South Asian musical background — alongside pianist Matt King, drummer Mauricio Zottarelli, and Emilio Martins on Percussion with an incredible string section featuring Fabio Engle, Fabio Chamma, Francisco Krug, Denis Usov on violins, Fabio Schio on Violas, Cristina Geraldini on Cello, and arranged by Luciano Filho, all chosen for a specific vibe.

1. Aurora (ft. Jeff Kashiwa)
2. Blue Lounge (ft. Jeff Kashiwa, Brendan Rothwell)
3. Shadow Dancers (ft. Jimmy Haslip, Mauricio Zottarelli)
4. Scarlet Sky (ft. Olivia Foschi, Luciano Filho)
5. Chillin’ (ft. Philippe Saisse)
6. Rain Cruiser (ft. Jeff Kashiwa, Luciano Filho)
7. Sky Rise (ft. Nathan East, Philippe Saisse)
8. Lift (ft. Matt King, Mauricio Zottarelli)
9. Sunset Walk (ft. Mauricio Zottarelli, Mark Egan)
10. Southside Jam (ft. Philippe Saisse)
11. Still Standing (ft. Zach Brock, Matt King, Luciano Filho)

On an album with a contemporary instrumental music feel coupled with dutifully crafted elements of a more global vibe, Khan opens his new recording on the beautifully sculpted Aurora and the texturally driven Blue Lounge and then we get the free-flowing title cut Shadow Dancers, the silky smooth Scarlet Sky and the jubilantly impassioned Chillin’.

Then we are gifted the all-embracing rhythms that drive Rain Cruiser and the summer’s drive, top off, window leaning Sky Rise, which are in turn backed seamlessly by the luxuriant Lift and the gently strident, veritably cinematic Sunset Walk, this incredible new set rounding out on the catchy Southside Jam, coming to an all-too-soon close on the sumptuously embroidered Still Standing.

www.rezakhanmusic.com

Reza Khan @ Twitter

Reza Khan @ Instagram