Indo-Jazz trailblazer Shez Raja has returned with his new album Spellbound, an encapsulating experience into Western-meets-Eastern culture; mixed with hints of spirituality and hypnotic rhythm.

Spellbound is Raja’s fourth studio album and follows Tales from the Punjab (2021), Journey to Shambhala (2019), and Gurutopia (2018). Recently, he was voted one of the “Hottest Bass Players in the World” by the British-Asian publication Bass Player Mag, and performs on his custom hand-crafted 5-string Fodera bass.

Joining him on this transcendent journey are Dennis Chambers (drums), Guthrie Govan (electric guitar), John Etheridge (electric guitar), Roopa Panesar (sitar), Tony Kofi (saxophone), Ahsan Papu (bansuri), Zohaib Hassan (sarangi), Fiza Haider (voice), Gurdain Rayatt (tabla), Vasilis Xenopoulos (saxophone), Sophie Alloway (drums), Jamie Murray (drums), and Chris Jerome (keyboards).

Before diving into the album itself, the artwork for Spellbound radiated with curiosity, intrigue, and atmosphere. The maroon background was a superb contrast to the golden flower located in the middle of the album, and the Om symbol in the heart of the flower represented the metaphysical journey the listener was about to embark on.

This black vinyl variant of Spellbound was played on an Audio-Technica turntable, with a Blue Ortofon cartridge, and Definitive Technology speakers. This setup helped finalize the ambiance that this record wanted to create, and Raja’s bass eloquently radiated throughout the listening space.

That being said, the vinyl version of the album does not include the live version of “Rabbits” which was recorded by Nikola Kovacevic at Pizza Express Live in Soho, London. Thereby it will not be a part of this review, thankfully the song can still be enjoyed on the digital version of the album - and the studio recording can be found on Raja’s first album Gurutopia.

On the first half of the album; the tracks “Quantum spirits,” “Maharishi mindtrip,” “Spellbound,” and “Together we fly,” brought the listener into a soulful trance that got them up and moving to the quick rhythm of the band. “Quantum spirits” brought quick nature, which flawlessly led into swift drums by Murray, and eclectic sarangi by Hassan on “Maharishi mindtrip.”

Moving further into the heart of Spellbound, the listener was introduced to the title track, as well as the brilliantly moving piece “Together we fly.” The contrast between these songs made them work so well together, and the raw combined talent of Raja, Chambers, Rayatt, and Kofi on “Spellbound” broadcasted each performer's unique talents.

Conversely, “Together we fly” brought soul into the mix by introducing Haider’s vocal ability. On this song, Haider’s voice felt like warm sunshine through an open window, and Raja’s spirited bass was a cooling breeze.

On the second half of the album; the tracks “Lucid path to the golden lotus,” “Vishnu,” “Through the multiverse,” and the live version of “Quantum spirits” helped Spellbound to flourish. The easy-listening style of “Lucid path to the golden lotus” led into the funkiness of “Vishnu” - and also felt like a callback to the first track on the album “Quantum spirits.”

In doing so the album felt like it was ultimately returning within itself - which could be interpreted as the theme of Spellbound; an introspective journey into enlightenment and rebirth. This theme was united in the closing track “Through the multiverse” where each instrument performed by Raja, Panesar, Alloway, and Kofi came alive. The live version of “Quantum spirits” felt like an added bonus that once again, represented the talent of each individual performing.

Overall Spellbound was a delight to listen to, and relistening to the album was a must. It also felt apropos to experience this journey by listening to the physical vinyl album.Spellbound is available on vinyl, CD and download from https://shezraja.com/shop