The Nature of Things is King Khan’s second full-on spiritual jazz album as the Berlin-based artist slips into his Sun Ra-influenced band leader role.
Khan has brought in a group of top-notch talent to help him out as the album features John Convertino (Calexico) on drums, percussion, and marimba, Alex White (Fat White Family) on sax and flute, Torben Wesche (King Khan and The Shrines) on saxophone, Davide Zolli (Mojomatics) on percussion and Brontez Purnell (Younger Lovers) on drums and percussion and Maureen Buscareno on Harp
Lots of Khan’s jazz passions get airings throughout the record as hints of Miles Davis, John and Alice Coltrane, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk all flow out. The album never slips into easy listening mode as things vibrate and clang just to the edges of the avant-garde. Khan’s ‘Astro Infinity’ bass work anchors the majority of the tracks such as opener “Hanuman All I Need is Her” which uses Buscareno’s harp and White’s flute to excellent results.
“Suzuki Strut” stings a little bit more, keeping things closer to aggressive than soothing while the title track bumps along on a “My Favorite Things” vibe. “Snarlin’ Lil Malcolm” (written for Malcom X) is the most ambitious effort with a cool, slow, looping bass line around clashing squawking horns that at times are both odd or inspiring.
Khan brings his rock past into “Brontez Booty Beat” with driving drums, a soul/funk groove, and popping horns. There are free jazz moments and repetitive cyclical patterns reminiscent of Miles Davis’ electrical work, building up a head of steam, but repeating ideas a bit too long. The brief disco beat of “Twin Towers” feels out of place while the smokey pairing of “Sliver of Silver” and the ballad “Sparkle of Truth” play as the most straightforward efforts here.
Album closer “The Paradox of Love” finds intriguing communication between the sax work and guitar lines, wrapping up an overall interesting effort. Khan confidently dives into the jazz world, proving 2020’s The Infinite Ones wasn’t a one-off, enhancing his wide-ranging musical background. King Khan’s The Nature of Things never sits still for long or goes too far out there, balancing free jazz with an engaging groove throughout.
