Ragawerk - Niḷa (2025) [Hi-Res]

Ragawerk, that’s Max Clouth and Martin Standke. Loops and ragas, electronics, jazz and a good pinch of Krautrock, Indian and Western sound elements merge into a unique fusion. The band’s roots in jazz remain unmistakable. Indian ragas and European-influenced jazz craftsmanship become ragawerk. Sometimes wistful or melancholy, always with great clarity. Critics speak of “floating worlds of sound” (Jazzpodium) and “driving, beat-heavy pieces, but also gentle incantations” (Jazzthing). It celebrates the fusion of ragas with European-influenced jazz as a “pretty hyped amalgam” (Jazz N More) and attests Ragawerk “a wonderfully herb-rock-like mixture that has everything to offer from meditation to jazz” (Musikreviews) – “a global fusion with the scent of incense” (Eclipsed). “A kind of Buddha of jazz speaks from Ragawerk.” (Music Reviews). “Niḷa” is their second album, on which Ragawerk now play even more directly and rawly alongside their usual brilliance. More “Deutschness”, a little more angular. But also pure, crystalline, spacey. Niḷa” showcases the band’s entire spectrum: from earthy directness to cosmic clarity.

Martin Standke – Drums, Electronics, additional Keyboards
Max Clouth – Guitar
Vroni Frisch – Bass
Robert Schippers – Keyboards
BC Manjunath – Mridangam
Shruti Ramani – Vocals
Peter Hinz – Tabla
Sophie-Justine Herr – Vocals