Bringing together the crème of Melbourne’s emerging innovators and musical agitators, The Raah Project reimagines the established concepts of jazz, electronica, hip hop, dance and soul music.

The Raah Project embraces both traditional and new principles of jazz improvisation and arrangement, 20th century composition, song, verse and flow.

With musical influences as diverse as Kanye West, Charlie Parker, Igor Stravinsky and King Tubby, musical directors Ryan Ritchie and Tamil Rogeon’s compelling new vision will be delivered by a 26-piece ensemble comprising a horn section, jazz rhythm section and string section including players from the Australian National Academy of Music.

Following the release of their debut album Score (2010), The Raah Project sold out a national tour and received sparkling reviews across Europe and the UK (Rolling Stone; #6 Jazz Album of the Year on iTunes). The Raah Project are thrilled to be featuring new musical works for their performance at the 2013 Castlemaine State Festival.

‘I couldn’t believe how good it was — it was definitely up there and beyond. It was a bit of Matthew Herbert, a little bit of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, but with its own melodic Australian vibe going on.’
GILLES PETERSON, THE INDEPENDENT (UK)

‘Ritchie is as persuasive a rapper as he is a singer, equipped with the rhythmic instincts of a jazz vocalist or beat poet. And Rogeon’s solo violin fuels the ensemble’s dynamic fire.’
THE AGE