Arun Ramamurthy Trio – New Moon (2024)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 48:08 minutes | 948 MB | Genre: World Fusion, Ethnic Jazz, Indian Classical
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © Greenleaf Music
New Moon Suite is a 4-part work reflecting on the inspiration of ancestors, family and tradition – and how we navigate the world as multicultural beings. When given the opportunity to create this piece, I thought first of one of the most influential people in my life: my maternal grandmother, Aaji.
The kindest of souls, Aaji was born in Bangalore, India in 1922, in a world far different from mine. Though she lived in a conservative time, Aaji was forward-thinking and open minded, helping those in need in her small village of Parvathipuram, and teaching Carnatic music to anyone who wished to learn.
I grew up on the other side of the world, in a house filled with music. My mother was a Carnatic vocalist, and my father arranged concert tours for visiting artists from India. Aaji visited us on several occasions – staying for a year at a time, and always leaving an indelible impression on me. While growing up in the states, I had the privilege to study Carnatic music with three mind-expanding gurus, who imparted the deep tradition to me with love and generosity. Through Aaji, my gurus and parents, I embraced my Indian roots from 8,000 miles away.
But I couldn’t help feel I was living a double life – as if there was a line in the sand keeping my two worlds separate. In one ear, I heard Lalgudi Jayaraman, N. Ramani + Palghat Raghu. In the other ear was Coltrane, Miles, A Tribe Called Quest + Radiohead.
It was Aaji who reminded me that there’s only ONE me. That there actually are no lines. This resonated with me deeply, and initiated a lifelong journey into understanding myself and exploring my artistic voice. New Moon Suite is an expression of this journey.
This trio represents “oneness”. The way Sameer, Damon and I play together feels like flowing water – we close our eyes and move together based on feel and intuition, conscious of our surroundings but with full force and intention. To play with them is a dream. The spaces they create are filled with light and magic. There’s only one us, no lines.
Tracklist:
1. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Walk As One (04:37)
2. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Bangalore to Brooklyn (06:09)
3. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Aaji (09:42)
4. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Mirrors (04:09)
5. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Amavasya (16:44)
6. Arun Ramamurthy Trio – Sri Valli (06:44)
