“The art of hands” Ratko Zjaca and Cris Mirabella Collaboration

“The art of hands”

Ratko Zjaca and Cris Mirabella Collaboration

The upcoming release of new album “Touching Minds” marks not only a new creative milestone for guitarist Ratko Zjaca, but also a unique artistic collaboration with master New Yorker luthier Cris Mirabella. Known for his deep musical vision, fearless improvisation, and refined touch, Ratko has always sought instruments that could keep pace with his artistry. For this new album, he found that partner in the Mirabella Crossfire Deluxe—a guitar designed and built to reflect the full range of his expressive voice.

The collaboration grew out of a shared dedication to detail, craft, and innovation. Mirabella, widely respected for his uncompromising pursuit of excellence, worked closely with Zjaca to shape an instrument that balances resonance and precision, warmth and clarity, power and subtlety. Every curve, wood selection, and tonal response of the Crossfire Deluxe was considered with Ratko’s music in mind. The result is not simply a guitar, but an extension of the artist’s imagination.

On Touching Minds, this partnership comes fully alive. The Crossfire Deluxe provides Ratko with a new palette of colors, giving his lines and harmonies a depth and dimension that matches the album’s adventurous spirit. Whether whispering ballads or navigating intricate modern jazz textures, the instrument responds to every nuance of touch and phrasing, allowing the listener to hear both the craft of the builder and the voice of the player in perfect harmony.

For Zjaca, this collaboration is more than technical—it is deeply personal. Touching Minds celebrates the dialogue between musicians and makers, between sound and vision, between tradition and forward-thinking innovation. With Mirabella’s Crossfire Deluxe in hand, Ratko charts new territory paying tribute to the artistry of one of the world’s finest luthiers.

The album’s title could not be more fitting: Touching Minds is where creative spirits meet, inspire, and elevate one another.

Ratko Zjaca & Mirabella Guitars — A Harmonious Partnership

Ratko Zjaca, an award-winning guitarist, composer, and educator.

Born in Croatia and trained in both classical and jazz traditions, Zjaca developed a unique musical language that draws from modern jazz harmony, European classical influences, Indian music and global rhythmic traditions. His improvisations are fluid and adventurous, marked by deep emotion, harmonic sophistication, and fearless exploration.

In his career, Ratko has collaborated with illustrious names such as John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Reggie Workman, Al Foster, Miroslav Vi­tous, Adam Nussbaum, Simone Zanchini, Jeff Tain Watts, Jimmy Cobb , Antonio Sanchez , Trilok Gurtu, Marius Preda , John Riley and many others. He’s produced many acclaimed albums including Archtop Avenue (solo album honored by the American Jazz Journalists Association in 2023), A day in Manhattan, Crossing the Border, Continental Talk, Midnight in Europe, The Way We Talk, Life on Earth, Light in the World, Beyond the Lines, Touching Minds and many more.

Cris Mirabella, based in New York, is renowned for his handcrafted archtop guitars, restorations of vintage masterpieces, and custom inlay work. He apprenticed under Jimmy D’Aquisto and is considered one of the preeminent archtop luthiers today, alongside legends like John Montele­one.

“Touching Minds “

“Touching minds “ release date 26.September.

Album is available on vinyl and CD.

Ratko Zjaca- guitar/electronics

Trilok Gurtu- tabla/percussion

Marius Preda- cimbalom/piano

Nick McGuire-acoustic bass

“Joined by Romanian cimbalom player Marius Preda, who is widely regarded as the world’s first jazz soloist on that trapezoidal stringed instrument that is the distant cousin of a hammered dulcimer, along with British-born upright bassist Nick McGuire and the innovative, groundbreaking percussionist Trilok Gurtu, Zjaca and his interactive crew strike an uncanny accord on the eight delightful originals presented on Touching Minds.”

-Bill Milkowski

“Marius’s unique approach to Ratko’s compositions creates an experience that

transcends conventional boundaries.”

-Arturo Sandoval

“This recording confirms a unique vision of great and creative musicians going

forward and presents its own personal style. Keep going Ratko!“

-Reggie Workman

“Touching Minds” is like a breeze of fresh mountain air. ”

-John Riley