Next Stage’s 2021 Artist-in-Residence Arun Ramamurthy returns to Putney on Saturday, June 25th with Arun Ramamurthy Trio (ART) (at Next Stage), and on Sunday, June 26th with Brooklyn Raga Massive (outdoors at the Bunker Farm with the Bandwagon Summer Series).

“…a beautiful, exotic, ear-opening listening experience.” – (All About Jazz)

This evening’s concert kicks off with a unique collaboration between the cello and the Indian slide guitar, two instruments seldom heard in Indian classical music. Cellist Jake Charkey and Indian slide guitarist Joel Veena (both Vermont-raised) are joined by tabla player Mir Naqibul Islam, a trio of artists all deeply steeped in the oral tradition of Hindustani music.
Arun Ramamurthy Trio + Evening Ragas by Jake Charkey, Joel Veena & Mir Naqibul Islam
The second set of the night features Next Stage’s 2021 Artist-in-Residence Arun Ramamurthy bringing a fresh approach to age-old South Indian classical repertoire in his trio ART. A recent recipient of Chamber Music America's prestigious New Jazz Works commission, the Trio will premiere selections from Arun's newly composed suite.

ART’s collaborative sound is driven by the propulsive rhythm section of drummer Sameer Gupta and electric bassist Damon Banks. The Carnatic canon is remixed in this seamless integration of styles as the group expands on traditional and original compositions in explosive, improvisational flights of fancy.

By staying true to raga, the modes which form the melodic foundation for Indian classical composition, but finding the full sonic identity of a skilled ensemble, Ramamurthy’s trio discovers new common ground and moments of organic conversation between two traditions, both based on a balance of rigor and freedom.

Featured performance venues include Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Jazz Gallery, Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works (Brooklyn), David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Cornelia Street Cafe, Museum of Moving Images and more. ART is a core ensemble of Brooklyn Raga Massive, a musicians’ collective of Indian Classical and raga-inspired musicians dedicated to bridging musical cultures.

“…..a captivating and inspirational listening experience, worthy of the highest recommendation for multicultural music collections.” (Midwest Book Review)

“…Ramamurthy’s violin more than anything makes the connection between India and America clear.” (SomethingElse)

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