Soul of the Music: Blues, Jazz & Classic Rock
Music is more than just a performance to me. It is a conversation. I bring the raw grit of blues, the swing of jazz, and the energy of classic rock to your event, creating a sound that actually connects with people.
A cover of Eric Clapton's "Change the World". This song has a beautiful chord progression that is a joy to sing, representing the kind of blues and jazz-influenced pop I love.
Singing "Cry No More" by Danielle Nicole. As a blues woman, this kind of music feels empowering to perform and is a core part of my repertoire.
A jam on "Ain't Got The Blues" by Blackberry Smoke. Discovering and performing songs from great Southern Rock bands is a huge passion of mine.
A cover of "Feel Like Making Love" by Bad Company. Revisiting classic rock power ballads like this is a great way to connect with the music I grew up with.
A cover of "Can't Find My Way Home" by the supergroup Blind Faith. This song has an almost spiritual quality for me, blending folk, blues, and rock.
Singing the classic blues-rock song "Black Velvet" by Alannah Myles with a full band. Performing the blues always makes me feel grateful and at home on stage.
A cover of "I Can't Get Next to You" by The Temptations. I am deeply inspired by Motown groups for their harmonies, soul, and brilliance.
About this collection
When you book me for a blues or jazz set, you are not getting pre-recorded backing tracks. I perform exclusively with live musicians because the real magic happens in the improvisation, the eye contact between us on stage, and how we adapt the energy of the room in real time.
My musical identity is rooted in the honesty of blues and the complexity of jazz. Whether I am performing a smooth jazz standard, a gritty blues riff, or a classic rock anthem, my goal is to strip away the performance anxiety and focus on the song itself.
Why Live Matters
I don't believe in backing tracks. Live music is about the connection between the band members and the audience. When I play with my ensemble, we feed off the room's energy. This means every performance is unique. If you want a static, predictable background noise, I am probably not the right fit. If you want music that breathes, responds to the crowd, and has soul, we will get along perfectly.
My Approach to Repertoire
My repertoire leans heavily into the music I grew up with and the artists I study. You will hear influences from Motown, Southern Rock, and French chanson. I perform in various configurations to suit your event:
- Acoustic Duo: Perfect for smaller, intimate spaces where lyrics and melody take center stage. Just me, an accompanist, and the music.
- Full Live Band: For high-energy events that need that driving beat of classic rock and funk.
Logistics & Technical Needs
I take my sound seriously. If you book a full band, I require a 60 to 90-minute sound check before the event begins. This ensures that the audio quality is crisp and balanced for your guests. As this is live performance, I also require the client to provide a professional PA system, monitors, and the necessary stage setup as per our technical rider. This ensures that what you hear is exactly what we intend to deliver.
Rajni Shivaram
I'm Rajni. I don't believe in being a 'rockstar'—I just believe in the music. Whether it's a quiet jazz standard or a gritty blues riff, I am here to make sure the music at your event feels real and speaks to everyone in the room.
Looking for a different musical vibe?
Explore other performance styles and band configurations for your special day.
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