Brooklyn Raga Massive is a prolific artist collective dedicated to creating cross-cultural understanding through the lens of Indian classical and Raga inspired music.   Hailed as “Leaders of the Raga Renaissance” by the New Yorker and praised by the New York Times for “Preserving the past while blurring genres in an inventive spirit,” BRM presents over 70 concerts annually. 

In “D” was co-composed by Neel Murgai and David Ellenbogen the Artistic Directors of Brooklyn Raga Massive. Neel Murgai is a sitarist, overtone singer, percussionist, composer and  teacher.  Neel's music ranges from Indian classical to original compositions and contemporary cross-cultural collaborations with influences spanning the globe. 

David Ellenbogen has studied and performed music in over a dozen countries including India, Mali, Cuba and Brazil.  He has expanded the audience for global music through his radio broadcasts on WKCR, his podcast, NYC Radio Live, and ambitious live productions like the Ragas Live Festival, a 24 hour/ 24 Set 60 musician experience now in its 9th year.

In “D,” was developed as a result of Brooklyn Raga Massive’s correspondence with the composer Terry Riley, who has been credited for creating the minimalist musical movement with his seminal piece, In 'C' in 1964.  Minimalism, the genre associated with composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich, was deeply influenced by Indian Classical music, but Brooklyn Raga Massive was the first group to perform and record Riley’s In “C” with an ensemble of Indian instruments.  

Inspired by Riley’s positive feedback, the group began developing the concept further and have created an original composition that uses some of the same principles of In “C” but is based on a cycle of 3 Indian Classical ragas.  In essence, BRM is bringing the great tradition of minimalism full circle. Performed by 20 musicians, this large ensemble will record a new work directly rooted in the Indian classical form.

Please visit Brooklyn Raga Massive’s Instagram, Facebook and their website for more information.