đšđď¸ The Healing Power of Raga Jazz: A Conversation with Charu Suri
Blending Cultures, Breaking Barriers, and Finding Spiritual Meaning Through Music
On the next episode of The Piano Pod, I had the pleasure of speaking with Charu Suri, an award-winning pianist, composer, and one of the first female jazz artists of Indian origin to perform at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. Her music is groundbreaking but deeply healing and spiritual, rooted in centuries-old traditions reimagined for todayâs global soundscape.
What makes Charuâs artistry so compelling is how she fearlessly bridges seemingly disparate musical worldsâIndian classical music, Western classical training, Sufi mysticism, and modern jazzâinto something entirely her own: Raga Jazz.
đś Ragas, Jazz, and Classical Music: Three Languages, One Heartbeat
One of the most fascinating parts of our conversation was how these musical traditions differânot just in structure but also in purpose, philosophy, and sonic aesthetic.
In Western classical music, structure and harmony often serve as the architectural foundation, but within those frameworks lies tremendous emotional depth and expressive freedom. From the intricate counterpoint of Bach to the lush harmonic landscapes of Debussy, classical music invites performers to interpret, shape, and communicate profound emotion through phrasing, tone, and timing. While much of the repertoire is written, interpretation itself becomes an art form, requiring not only a deep understanding of historical style but also personal expression and, at times, spontaneous decisions in performance. This balance between form and feeling is one of the genreâs greatest strengths.
In jazz, improvisation is not just a techniqueâit is the heartbeat of the music. Rooted in African American musical traditions, jazz draws from a deep well of rhythmic complexity, emotional honesty, and harmonic sophistication. Musicians often work within frameworks like the ii-V-I progression, but these function more as launching points than limitations. Through solos, artists engage in real-time storytelling, constantly reshaping melodies and harmonies with spontaneity and intent. Jazz is a conversation between players, with tradition, and with the present momentâbold, unpredictable, and profoundly alive.
And then there are ragas, which come from an entirely different lineage. A raga is not just a scaleâit is a mood, a time of day, even a season. Each follows a specific ascending and descending structure (arohana and avarohana), with characteristic notes, phrases, and ornamentations (gamakas) that give it life. Unlike harmony-based systems, ragas emphasize melody and emotional resonance. Their improvisational nature unfolds slowly and intentionally, guiding the listener into a meditative, immersive experience.
Charu Suriâs genius lies in her deep respect for the integrity of these traditions and her ability to weave them together into something wholly original and profoundly moving.
đ A Global Journey to a Unique Voice
Born in India, classically trained on piano, and later influenced by New Orleans jazz, Charu has lived across four continents. This global journey deeply shaped her musical identity and her mission as an artist.
Surprisingly, jazz came later in her life. As she told me during the interview:
âJazz is relatively recent for me. But when I encountered it in New Orleans, something awakened. It felt like I had permission to create, to express, and to heal.â
This discovery led to her signature genre: Raga Jazz, a fusion that embraces the melodic depth of Indian ragas and the freedom of jazz improvisation.
đż The Evolution of a Sound: From The Book of Ragas to Rags and Ragas
Charuâs first major project, The Book of Ragas, quickly became foundational in this new genre. Using a jazz trio format with piano, bass, and drumsâand often featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Sufi singers like Umer Piracha and Apoorva Mudgalâshe created meditative, genre-defying compositions that invite deep listening.
She explains that Sufi music, with its mystical roots and devotional lyrics, naturally aligns with the emotional intentions of ragas:
âSufi music and ragas may come from different traditions, but they both aim to elevate. They draw you inward. They ask you to listen with your soul.â
Her latest album, Rags and Ragas, is the culmination of years of experimentation and collaboration. It features musical giants like John Patitucci, Steve Gadd, Kobi Arad, and Charlie Sabach. The album also revisits âRaga No. 1â from her debut albumâthis time reimagined as a four-hand jazz piano piece with richer harmonies and deeper improvisation.
âI wanted to bring the piece full circle, to show how far the sound has evolved, while honoring where it began.â
đĄ Healing, Grief, and the Creative Spark
Charu doesnât shy away from talking about the personal side of her work. One particularly emotional moment in the interview was when she shared how grief after a personal loss became the creative catalyst behind Ragas and Waltzes.
âI wrote the waltz the day after he died. Music was how I processed it all.â
Her compositions are more than performancesâthey are acts of healing, both for herself and her listeners. She believes that ragas, in particular, can be deeply therapeutic:
âEach raga is designed to evoke a specific emotion. They can lift you, ground you, or open you up. I had to heal myself through music, and now I want my music to help others do the same.â
đ§ Being a South Asian Woman in Jazz
In our discussion, Charu also opened up about the challenges she has faced in a field historically dominated by men, and where South Asian representation is still rare. Despite these obstacles, she has forged her path and become a trailblazer.
âThe glass ceiling has to be broken. We need more womenâespecially women of colorâcreating, composing, and being seen.â
She now serves as a Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) voting member, using her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusion within the music industry.
đ¤ď¸ Looking Ahead: New Projects & A Legacy of Innovation
Whatâs next for Charu Suri? A new-age album incorporating Indian ragas, and an ongoing mission to make Raga Jazz a recognized genre within the jazz world.
Her vision is expansive, but deeply personal. When I asked her what legacy she hopes to leave, she replied:
âI want people to say, âHer music made me feel something real.â Thatâs the highest goal I can hope for.â
đ§ Tune In
If you have ever been curious about the intersections of culture, spirituality, tradition, and artistic evolution, you will not want to miss this episode.
đ Episode drops this week on The Piano Podâavailable wherever you get your podcasts.
Subscribe at www.thepianopod.com and join us as we explore an ancient and revolutionary sound.