Biography
The musical traditions of Sweden and India come together with a global range of influences to create the unique music of Mynta. A true cultural exchange between Indian tabla player Fazal Qureshi and classical vocalist Shankar Mohadevan and Swedish musicians Anders Hagberg (flute, soprano and willow flute), Max Ahman (acoustic guitar), Mikael Nilsson (percussion) and Christian Paulin (electric bass), Mynta blends Indian, African, Latin-American, Arabic, Swedish, and Norwegian music. According to Option magazine, "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."
Conceived by electric bassist Christian Paulin, Mynta initially focused on blues and Latin-influenced jazz. Their debut album reflected the influence of Chick Corea and Gary Burton. Shifting to a more-improvisatory style of jazz fusion, in the 1980s, the group often performed with Swedish vocalist Maritza Horn. A turning point in the band's evolution came when they met Qureshi and Mohadevan while touring India in 1987. With the addition of the two India musicians, Mynta moved towards the world fusion on which they've built their international reputation. Mynta has gone through numerous personnel changes. Former members include tenor saxophonist Stefan Isaksson, alto saxophonist Jonas Knutsson, guitarist Max Schultz, and drummer Magnus Persson.
