The Arun Ramamurthy Trio has a unique take on the age-old South Indian classical repertoire. The Carnatic canon is reimagined in this organic and seamless integration of styles as the group expands on traditional forms in explosive, improvisational flights of fancy. The trio’s collaborative sound is driven by the propulsive rhythm section of drummer Sameer Gupta and electric bassist Damon Banks. Arun’s original work tells stories of migration and cultural connection, drawing from Carnatic raga and rhythmic structures, while stretching the music with a modern jazz backbeat.
Ramamurthy’s instrument soars and growls, sings and dances. With the soulful expression of Indian classical violin and the gritty lilt of American fiddle, Ramamurthy goes to evocative places of longing and joy, sentiments common in Indian devotional music and in certain strains of jazz. His newly commissioned Amāvyasā Suite (‘new moon’ in Sanskrit) speaks to the experiences of our elders and ancestors, and the lessons we take on our own personal journeys. The suite was recently premiered in late 2022 in New York.
Arun Ramamurthy violin, Damon Banks electric bass, Sameer Gupta drums