Mynta

The distinctive sound of Mynta arises from an interplay of Swedish and Indian musical roots enriched by worldwide currents. This cross-cultural dialogue unites tabla master Fazal Qureshi and classical vocalist Shankar Mohadevan with Swedish instrumentalists Anders Hagberg on flute, soprano saxophone, and willow flute, Max Ahman on acoustic guitar, Mikael Nilsson on percussion, and Christian Paulin on electric bass. The ensemble fuses elements drawn from Indian, African, Latin-American, Arabic, Swedish, and Norwegian traditions. As Option magazine observed, "Qureshi and Mikael Nilsson lay down some of the most electrifying percussion grooves I've heard in years; and in it's blinding, effortless, speed, Max Ahman's guitar pays homage to John McLaughlin. Mix in Swedish hammered dulcimer, the Indian santoor and tanpura, and the North African saz and this becomes an exotic sort of orchestra. With groups like Mynta, it's clear that Scandanavia is turning out the most fascinating and enjoyable world fusion around."

Electric bassist Christian Paulin originated the project, which at first centered on blues-tinged and Latin-inflected jazz. The group’s first recording revealed the imprint of Chick Corea and Gary Burton. During the 1980s the musicians adopted a freer, more improvisatory jazz-fusion approach and frequently collaborated with Swedish singer Maritza Horn. Their artistic direction shifted decisively after encountering Qureshi and Mohadevan during a 1987 tour of India; the two Indian artists joined the lineup and steered Mynta toward the world-fusion idiom that established its global standing. Over time the band has experienced repeated changes in membership. Among those who have passed through its ranks are tenor saxophonist Stefan Isaksson, alto saxophonist Jonas Knutsson, guitarist Max Schultz, and drummer Magnus Persson.