RAAGAVERSE – Indo-Jazz Fusion with Shruti Ramani

2025 Juno Nominee for Best Jazz Album of the Year (Group), Raagaverse, led by vocalist Shruti Ramani, 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. She is joined by Noah Franche-Nolan on piano and keyboard, James Meger on bass and Trent Otter on drums. Noah is a Juno-Nominated Canadian pianist, improviser, composer, and producer well known for his cross-disciplinary collaborations in jazz and classical idioms, blending sincere emotional connection with musical intricacy and artistic curiosity. James Meger is a bassist and composer whose work spans jazz, free improvisation, and rock, performing internationally with artists such as Darius Jones (fLuXkit Vancouver), Frazey Ford, Wayne Horvitz, Chris Speed, and Kris Davis. A drummer with a strong work ethic and diverse influences, Trent plays with many different artists across Canada. From Jazz to Pop to R&B, he has shared the stage with Matt Storm, Katie Tupper and Mikey Jose as well as groups such as John Korsrud's Absolute Unit, Mary Ancheta Quartet, and Bungalow. Since 2022, Raagaverse has performed for the VIMhouse music series, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Yardbird Suite, the Bassment, Vernon Jazz Club, Kay Meek Arts Centre, Lulu Performing Arts on Gabriola Island, VIFF, the Fort Langley Jazz Festival, ArtSpring Theatre), King Eddy as part of JazzAhead Calgary, the Jazz at the Bolt series, High Beam Dreams in Gibsons, Muzewest and ACT Arts in Maple Ridge. Expect energetic and enthralling music from Raagaverse! Presented by Raagaverse Cultural Society and Caravan World Rhythms Website Link: https://raagaverse.com/