Arun Ramamurthy Trio Explores Heritage In Upcoming Album

India-West Staff Reporter

NEW YORK, NY – Violinist and composer Arun Ramamurthy draws inspiration from his cultural heritage and personal experiences in his latest album, New Moon. Set to release on September 20 through Greenleaf Music, the album by Ramamurthy, Sameer Gupta on bass, and Damon Banks, on drums features a four-part composition titled the New Moon Suite, reflecting on family, ancestors, and the journey of navigating multicultural identity.

The centerpiece of the suite, Amavasya—which means “new moon” in Sanskrit—serves as a tribute to Ramamurthy’s maternal grandmother, Aaji, who played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey. Although Aaji wasn’t a professional musician, she deeply loved Carnatic music, and her influence is honored in the second movement of the suite, titled “Aaji.”

Born in the US, Ramamurthy only saw Aaji during brief family visits to India, but her visits to the U.S. had a lasting impact. She encouraged him to take up violin, a decision that shaped his career as a musician blending Indian classical music with jazz.

The album’s first movement, “Bangalore to Brooklyn,” reflects on Ramamurthy’s parents’ immigration from India to New York. His father, who left Bangalore to work as a civil engineer in Brooklyn, established a foundation for the family’s life in the U.S., a theme echoed in the trio’s dynamic interplay.

New Moon is the trio’s second release, and it showcases their ability to merge Carnatic music and jazz, creating a spontaneous and interconnected sound.

The album not only honors Ramamurthy’s personal history but also furthers both musical traditions in a unique blend.