Jazz Articles about Vanraj Shastri

About Vanraj Shastri

Album Review

Make A Sound marks the first full release from saxophonist and composer Oded Tzúr's fledgling label, Sky River Music. After a pair of fiery albums for Enja Records and a string of esteemed releases on ECM Records, Tzúr sets out in a new direction with a set of tracks channeling deeply personal expression through his Indian-influenced jazz. He is accompanied on this journey by an experienced group of collaborators: Joe Martin (bass), Nasheet Waits (drums), Vanraj Shastri (sarangi), and Gilad Hekselman (guitar). Guitar and sarangi bring entirely ...

Album Review

Oded Tzur: Make A Sound

Read "Make A Sound" reviewed by David Bruggink

by David Bruggink
November 30, 2025

Storytelling has been part of Oded Tzur's modus operandi since his first album, his reed playing enfolding drama, tension, and narrative shifts like any spellbinding tale. In this 2025 single, the instinct comes into even sharper focus, as he accompanies a newly-assembled band with his words and voice for the first time on record. Tzur is no stranger to accolades, having won much acclaim for his instrumental releases (e.g., the superb My Prophet, ECM Records, 2024). Introducing vocals may ...