Arun Ramamurthy Trio - New Moon (2024) [Hi-Res]

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.

Arun Ramamurthy (violin)
Sameer Gupta (drums)
Damon Banks (electric bass)