Trailblazing bassist and composer Shez Raja returns with his most exhilarating and ambitious album to date, Spellbound – a breathtaking exploration of deep grooves, dazzling improvisation and hypnotic soundscapes. Set for release on 20 June 2025, the album combines his trademark Indo-jazz-funk style with masterful performances from an extraordinary ensemble of musical greats that will leave listeners spellbound.
Featuring a dream team of world-class musicians, Spellbound showcases drum icon Dennis Chambers, guitar virtuosos Guthrie Govan and John Etheridge, sitar maestro Roopa Panesar, sax sensations Tony Kofi and Vasilis Xenopoulos, UK drum stars Jamie Murray and Sophie Alloway, ethereal singing prodigy Fiza Haider, tabla guru Gurdain Rayatt, bansuri flute master Ahsan Papu, seventh-generation sarangi player Zohaib Hasan and keyboard ace Chris Jerome. Together they create a magical blend of East and West, tradition and innovation, groove and mysticism – music that pulses throughout with energy and emotion.
Adding to the album’s prestige, Spellbound has been specially mastered by Gearbox Records, giving it the coveted stamp of “A Gearbox Cut” and audiophile-grade sound quality on both Vinyl and CD formats. Raja has also signed a publishing deal with Gearbox Music Publishing, marking an exciting new chapter in his artistic journey.
A defining element of Spellbound is Shez’s exceptional bass work, performed on his custom-made 5-string Fodera bass – an instrument handcrafted by Fodera, the world’s most revered bass luthier.
To celebrate the release, Shez Raja and his band will take to the stage at The Jazz Cafe in Camden on 29 June 2025 for an electrifying live performance, featuring guitar wizard Guthrie Govan. This promises to be an unmissable night of spellbinding music and virtuosic interplay.With its mesmerising melodies, intricate rhythms, and boundary-pushing compositions, Spellbound is more than an album – it’s an experience that will transport, transform and inspire.
Launch Show:
Sunday 29th June
The Jazz Cafe, Camden (featuring Guthrie Govan)
About Shez Raja
Voted one of the ‘Hottest Bass Players in the World’ by readers of Bass Player magazine, virtuoso British-Asian bass player Shez Raja has built a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative bassists on the international scene. His unique brand of jazz fuses the raw power of funk and rock with the intricate beauty of Eastern traditions, resulting in an electrifying style. Renowned for his high-energy performances and collaborations with jazz royalty, Raja’s music bridges cultures and captivates audiences worldwide.
