RagaJazz combines the rich traditions of Indian ragas with Scandinavian jazz, featuring Kala Ramnath (violin), Abhijit Banerjee (tabla), Lars Møller (saxophone), Thor Madsen (guitar), and Jonas Johansen (drums). Formed by Lars Møller in 2016, the band creates a unique fusion of musical styles, offering an interactive and vibrant sound.
Artistic Vision
Based on personal and delicate compositions, RagaJazz’s music is inspired by the colorful, melodic ragas and intricate rhythms of India, the architectural beauty of Scandinavian music, and the improvisational interplay of contemporary American jazz. This combination creates a dramatic, expressive, and contemplative sound, uniquely blending the depth and essence of jazz and Indian classical music. The band members, based in Mumbai, Kolkata, Copenhagen, New York, and San Francisco, represent a new generation of musicians with a global perspective and a creative approach to the interaction between musical and cultural traditions. RagaJazz is dedicated to sharing this vision with audiences worldwide through concerts, workshops, and lectures, with a special focus on schoolchildren.
Royal Performance
In 2023, RagaJazz performed for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess of Denmark during their visit to India. The event, hosted by the Danish Ambassador in New Delhi, celebrated the longstanding friendship between India and Denmark.
India Tours
RagaJazz has toured India multiple times since 2016, engaging with diverse audiences through their captivating performances. They will return in the fall of 2024 for another tour, which will include both Jazz Explorer Trio and RagaJazz concerts.
Albums
RagaJazz members are featured on Lars Møller’s Glow Of Benares (2017) and their debut album Purple Twilight (2018), both mixed and mastered by Thor Madsen.
This fusion of styles is something that Ragajazz do well. The colourful glissandos of the violin and fast-paced drive of the tablas merge beautifully with saxophone and guitar, allowing the group to seamlessly blend Eastern rhythms and melodies with those of Scandinavian jazz, particularly in tracks like Glow and Purple Twilight.
Gareth Thomas for Jazz Journal, UK. Read full review.
Band Members
- Kala Ramnath (violin): Known for her rich musical lineage spanning seven generations, Kala’s name in Sanskrit means “art,” symbolizing the supreme truth and happiness manifested through her music. kalaramnath.com
- Abhijit Banerjee (tabla): One of India’s leading tabla players, Abhijit is celebrated for his unique style and creativity. He founded the Dhwani Academy of Percussion Music and has collaborated with numerous international artists. banerjeeabhijit.com
- Lars Møller (saxophone): An acclaimed Danish saxophonist, composer, and conductor known for his innovative fusion of jazz with global musical traditions. He is the Artistic Director of the Copenhagen Jazz Orchestra and has a deep connection with Indian classical music. larsmoller.com
- Thor Madsen (guitar): A versatile guitarist, composer, and producer, Thor Madsen blends jazz, funk, and electronic elements in his solo project, Thor De Force. He has collaborated with artists such as Norah Jones and Erik Truffaz. thormadsen.com
- Jonas Johansen (drums): A distinguished drummer and composer with over 35 years in the jazz scene, Jonas Johansen is known for his versatility and innovative approach. He has collaborated with jazz greats like McCoy Tyner and Joe Lovano. jonasjohansen.dk
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