Album Review—Shayan

Shayan – A Musical Lullaby Woven from the Threads of Evening Ragas

The Sanskrit word Shayan refers to deep sleep or rest. Charu Suri’s latest album Shayan is a unique concept work born from a deeply personal mission. Her mother suffered from sleeplessness following her father’s passing, and this struggle moved the artist to harness the power of a few selected Indian evening ragas to help people sleep better. Shayan is the result of this mission. The seven songs in this collection span a spectrum of ragas from Desh to Mohanam, blending them into heart-soothing contemporary arrangements. Notably, in this process, the authority of the ragas has not been diluted in the least.

During this mission, Charu channels the centuries-old wisdom of Indian evening ragas into music that can quiet the mind, soothe the heart, and escort the listener toward restorative rest. Thus, Shayan becomes a deep exploration of raga as both an art form and a healing modality. Each track delves into the emotional essence of the chosen raga and allows it to bloom in a natural fashion.

The ensemble behind this work is an extraordinary one, featuring world-class musical talents including Jim Kimo West, Premik Russell Tubbs, Tess Remy-Schumacher, Ron Korb, Max ZT, Anita Lerche, Siyer, Philip Vaiman, Haruna Fukazawa, Ravichandra Kulur, Raniero Palm, Ramya Shankar, and Peter Sterling. As much as it is a work of compassion, it is also an artistic statement. The album’s sound has been meticulously shaped through Siddhant Bhatia’s mixing and Lonnie Park’s mastering.

The Artist

Charu Suri, the famed Indian female composer, had the honor of performing her original work at Carnegie Hall. She is widely recognized in the music world for her fearless blending of genres. Her music training began at the age of five, leading to her emergence as a classical piano prodigy. Her sojourn across four continents has enabled her to infuse her music with rich global sensibilities. Her Book of Ragas series is a pioneering work in this realm, introducing listeners to an unprecedented fusion of Indian raga structures with jazz and Western classical elements. This notable accomplishment in her career earned praise from both critics and audiences alike. Her remarkable collaborations with Grammy-winning musicians such as John Patitucci and Steve Gadd have further expanded her range, while accolades from JAZZIZ, All About Jazz, and the International Singer-Songwriters Association highlight her versatility and artistry.

The Quality of Music

Shayan is an immersive, meditative work that falls within a global fusion and world music framework. Nevertheless, its deep emotional weight lies in its unbroken allegiance to the traditional spirit of Indian classical ragas. Each composition is crafted with care, letting the raga breathe, evolve, and speak without unnecessary ornamentation. The result is music that feels unhurried, graceful, and organic—much like the natural transitions of evening into night.

The album’s strength lies in how it balances tradition and innovation. While the ragas themselves remain pure and dignified, the arrangements introduce textures from diverse instruments such as guitar, cello, dulcimer, harp, ukulele, and multiple flutes, creating a lush sonic landscape that is both global and deeply rooted in Indian classical ethos. This makes Shayan equally appealing to seasoned raga enthusiasts and to listeners new to this genre.

The music unfolds in each track like an intimate conversation with the night—sometimes contemplative, sometimes tender, always sincere. Going a step beyond conventional music for relaxation, it shines as music for inner restoration. Its remarkable ability to quiet the restless mind, release emotional tension, and open the heart to stillness is truly stunning. It is the kind of work that not only accompanies moments of peace but also creates them.

Track-by-Track Review

1. Shayan (Raga Kalyani)

The opening track is an exquisite dialogue between flute, voice, and cello, evoking a quiet release into the evening. Anita Lerche’s vocals and Premik Russell Tubbs’ flute create an intimate atmosphere, while Tess Remy-Schumacher’s cello adds grounding warmth.

2. Mohanam Hymn (Raga Mohanam)

Bright yet serene, this hymn sounds light, spacious, and meditative. The harmonious interplay between cello and flute feels both uplifting and calming before the vocals of Mary Dawood Catlin give the piece a fitting angelic finish.

3. Inner Peace (Raga Desh)

True to its title, this piece is a sanctuary in sound. Ravichandra Kulur’s flute melodies possess enormous lyrical depth, beautifully complemented by Siyer’s emotive vocals and Tess Remy-Schumacher’s resonant cello lines.

4. Raga Jog

Perhaps the most introspective piece, this track draws the listener inward. Max ZT’s shimmering dulcimer alongside cello creates a layered texture that feels both ancient and contemporary.

5. Nightingale (Raga Bagesri)

Jim Kimo West’s guitar lends this track a tender, quietly nostalgic feel. A gentle sense of longing permeates the piece, stirring subtle sensations deep within the heart.

6. Raga Durga

In this remarkable composition, Haruna Fukazawa’s flute and Philip Vaiman’s violin dance together with devotional grace. A profound sense of reverence glows throughout, making it perfect for moments of reflection.

7. Shayan Reprise (Raga Kalyani)

The album’s closing feels like a final lullaby, meticulously layered with Raniero Palm’s strings and Ron Korb’s flute. This piece completes the album’s mission by gently guiding the listener into comforting, restful moments.

Takeaway

What I love most about Shayan is its sincerity. Unlike many contemporary works composed merely for relaxation, this music goes a step further—it is a mission vested with sincere purpose. This remarkable composition is a testament to Charu’s ability to create space for authentic Indian ragas alongside the talents of a global cast of musicians to shine in harmony. As a result, these tracks sound rare and deeply touching. If you are a music lover who seeks to feel more than just listen, I highly recommend Shayan—an experience definitely worth embracing. This album brings music to all those who value beauty, intention, and the quiet magic that music can bring to the soul.

Pre–order on iTunes