Imaginary Road
Painted, 2021
8/10
The guitarist Reza Khan has been following a path uniquely his own since day one, and he continues that unpredictable journey with Imaginary Road, where Miles Gilderdale, Mark Egan and Maurizio Zottarelli, among others, accompany him.
“Waiting For The Sky” starts the listen with crisp, smooth guitar from Khan as Zottarelli’s precise drumming anchors the highly melodic and breezy jazz climate, and “Neo Funk” follows with bright guitar solos from Khan and Gildedale, as synth from Philippe Saisse adds much to the busy delivery.
Sitting at the halfway point, “Midnight Runner” brings much atmosphere to the listen with its meticulous guitar playing and strategic bass from Egan that helps make this the album highlight, while “Seven Miles Road” benefits greatly from David Mann’s flute as playful melodies dance around the dynamic instrumentation.
Closer to the end, “Somewhere East” points towards Khan’s Eastern heritage (he was born in Bangladesh), where modern jazz and bright saxophone make an impression, and “Imaginary Road” finishes the listen with all the players getting their time in the spotlight on a textured and exciting exit.
Inspired by names like Pat Methany and Wes Montgomery, Khan’s early training in Indian percussion gives him a unique vision of his craft, and his string of well received albums over the last decade continue to make him one of the most versatile and creative minds in contemporary jazz.
Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Baker’s Circle; Jared Gold- Reemergence