What is "raga jazz" according to Charu Suri?

Charu Suri defines "raga jazz" as a lyrical blend of Western classical, jazz, and Indian traditions, drawing from ancient ragas for a modern audience.

What inspired Charu Suri's album Shayan?

The album Shayan was inspired by evening ragas, specifically composed to help listeners achieve better sleep.

Has Charu Suri composed music for films?

Yes, Charu Suri has begun her film scoring career, recently composing music for a short film directed by an Emmy and Oscar-winning filmmaker.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Grammy Nominee Charu Suri Fuses Ancient Ragas with Jazz

Grammy Nominee Charu Suri Fuses Ancient Ragas with Jazz

4 Jan

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Summary

Charu Suri merges 7,000-year-old ragas with contemporary jazz.
Her latest album, Shayan, features evening ragas for relaxation.
Suri recently composed music for a short film by an award-winning filmmaker.

Grammy Nominee Charu Suri Fuses Ancient Ragas with Jazz

Indian-American composer and pianist Charu Suri is gaining international recognition for her innovative "raga jazz" style, which fuses ancient Indian musical traditions with contemporary jazz. Having overcome initial skepticism, Suri's Grammy nomination validates her persistent efforts to break down musical barriers and create a new global sound. Her approach involves adapting 7,000-year-old ragas into accessible jazz compositions.

Suri's artistic journey is deeply rooted in her Indian heritage, influencing not only her music but also her philosophical outlook on tolerance and preservation. Her recent album, Shayan, is a testament to this, built entirely around soothing evening ragas intended to promote relaxation and sleep. She masterfully draws from both Hindustani and Carnatic musical traditions, offering a sound that feels both timeless and current.