Raagaverse

Raagaverse, led by Shruti Ramani (voice) with Jodi Proznick (bass), Noah Franche-Nolan (piano) and Nicholas Bracewell (drums), is a creative Indo-Jazz fusion band that pays homage to the two deeply historical and culturally-significant genres: classical Hindustani music and Jazz. Shruti brings her expertise in Hindustani music together with the quartet’s appreciation, knowledge, affinity and experience of the Jazz and other musical artforms. Raagaverse retains the authenticity of both traditions, melding them seamlessly into one cohesive sound that is both dynamic and explosive with immense respect, depth and beauty.

Shruti’s musical fluency originates from her rigorous Hindustani training and degree under Dr. Ritu Johri in Mumbai, India, and her studies leading to a degree in Jazz from Capilano University. Her original compositions use melodies ornamented with traditional Hindustani nuances, with underlying modern Jazz harmonies and rhythms.

Jodi brings her musical mastery on the bass as well as her insight and experience performing, recording, touring and promoting her music. She is also a highly respected music educator.

Noah is a stellar composer, pianist and keyboard player well known for his cross-disciplinary collaborations in jazz and classical idioms and for blending different musical styles.

Nicholas is talented young drummer who immediately connected with the music and musicians of Raagaverse.

Its first performance was on a double bill with the Itamar Erez Quartet at the Fox Cabaret in March 2022 as part of the VIM Music at the Cinemas Series. Since then, it has been invited to perform for the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, the Gordon Smith Gallery Music Series, the 2023 Fort Langley Jazz Festival and ArtSpring Theatre (Saltspring). Expect energetic and enthralling music from Raagaverse!

Both Saajan and Googharva were inspired by music passed down by ancestors of the Agra gharana:

Saajan evokes the feel of a jazz ballad whilst exploring the blues-like nature of the Raag Jog in the melody. The lyrics are descriptive of feeling love upon the return of one's lover.

Ghoogharva has been re-arranged by Dr. Ritu Johri and Shruti Ramani. The fast paced nature of the piece marries well into the Bebop tradition in jazz. This piece tries to bring together these traditions whilst retaining the nature in their true forms. The lyrics are descriptive of the bell sounds of anklets worn by women at the time.

Shruti on Storyhive