Season 5 Episode 15 "Reimagining Raga and Jazz" feat. Charu Suri - Pianist, Composer, & Jazz-Raga Pioneer

🎶 In this episode of The Piano Pod, "Reimagining Raga and Jazz - Blending Indian Ragas, Jazz, and Classical Music," I sat down with Charu Suri—award-winning pianist, composer, and trailblazer—who is redefining what jazz can be through her original genre: Raga Jazz. As one of the first female jazz artists of Indian origin to perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, Charu fearlessly blends Indian ragas, Western classical traditions, Sufi mysticism, and modern jazz into something entirely her own. 🌍 From growing up across four continents to discovering jazz later in life, Charu shares the personal and artistic journey that led her to create genre-defying albums like The Book of Ragas, Ragas & Waltzes, and her latest, Rags and Ragas, featuring legends such as John Patitucci and Steve Gadd. In this episode, we explore: 🎶 What makes a raga unique—and how it compares to jazz and classical music 🎶 The healing power of raga-based improvisation 🎶 Her journey as a South Asian woman in jazz 🎶 Grief, creativity, and composing through personal loss 🎶 Her legacy and vision for a more inclusive music industry 📺🎧 Do not miss this episode—experience how Charu reimagines musical traditions with depth, innovation, and heart. ✨ VIP Substack subscribers get exclusive perks and behind-the-scenes content - HERE. [Charu Suri] 🌐Website📺YouTube💚Spotify[Links] ▶️ RAGA No. 1 (Bhimpalas, Kirwani) by Charu Suri ▶️ Verona Waltz (RAGAS & WALTZES by Charu Suri) ▶️ FRENCH QUARTER (Raga Charukesi) for NPR Tiny Desk 2024 Contest: [The Piano Pod]💖 Support Our Work on Substack 🎗️ Support Our Work: Make a donation 🎵 Subscribe to our Sounds of Inspiration (all the music and piano pieces mentioned during our conversations): Stay Connected: 🚨 Latest News🌐 Website

Om Podcasten

...where tradition meets innovation. Together, we bring PIANO into the FUTURE.a global hub for innovation, education, and connection in classical piano musicHey, 🎹 enthusiasts out there! My name is Yukimi, a classical pianist and educator from NYC and executive producer of The Piano Pod. The Piano Pod🎙 is a one-of-a-kind podcast that delves deep into the fascinating world of classical music, with a specific focus on the 🎹 piano. In a biweekly format, the show explores intriguing discussions with guests breaking exciting new ground in the classical music industry. The Piano Pod aims to nurture a thriving community that embraces innovative approaches to ensure classical music's relevance and vitality in today's dynamic landscape."How can I present the beautiful tradition of classical music to the 21st-century audience in a fun, contemporary, and engaging way?"When I started building a piano studio in the trendy neighborhood of Downtown Manhattan in 2007 while in the NYU graduate program in piano studies, I began to ponder this question. I realized the stark difference in expectations toward classical music and music education between music professionals and the general public. Then, one of the NYU music department's professors suggested I start a podcast: the platform would allow classical musicians to address this disparity and spark conversations about audience engagement.Finally, fast forward to 10+ years later, The Piano Pod was born in the summer of 2020. Since then, I have had the privilege of interviewing A-listers in the classical music industry: international concert pianists, composers, arrangers, digital streamers/influencers, music educators, entrepreneurs, neurodiverse specialists, and performance psychologists.Through fascinating conversations, we have explored how classical music should continue to evolve to remain relevant to our lifestyle, society, and culture. Over the past three seasons, The Piano Pod has achieved remarkable success by reaching faithful listeners on audio platforms and viewers via YouTube.As the show is celebrating the past season's achievements and gearing toward the new season in the fall, my mission as the Executive Producer is crystal clear: to provide a platform for classical musicians and educators to reflect and discuss ways to keep our industry robust and meaningful in this ever-changing world and move it forward in the post-pandemic era.🔗Follow TPP on social media accounts to get the latest news about 🎹.Thanks for listening♥️🎹