American Patchwork Quartet

Get ready to experience a fusion of musical styles like never before with Grammy Nominees- American Patchwork Quartet

American Patchwork Quartet (APQ), led by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and South Asian ornamentation. APQ’s sound is a masterful confluence of tradition and innovation, transcending culture, politics, and ideology. Their debut was recently nominated for “Best Folk Album” at the 67th GRAMMY® Awards.

A southern-born roots music aficionado, Ross is also the founder of the world-renowned Gullah group Ranky Tanky. In APQ, Ross intertwines with other Grammy-winning artists: Falguni Shah, an eleventh-generation Hindustani classical vocalist, Yasushi Nakamura, an internationally acclaimed Issei jazz bassist, and Clarence Penn, a drumming protégée of Ellis Marsalis whose fibers were honed by African American church traditions. APQ resonates as a potent symbol of unity in diversity. It stands testament to the notion that, from a collage of varied backgrounds, a coherent and beautiful whole can be fashioned. Mirroring America’s cultural mosaic, APQ stitches together a story that’s both intricate and resilient. The fabric of their music is genuine—it neither feigns tolerance nor presents an overly-embellished image of unity. Instead, each carefully chosen piece dives deep into America’s patchwork soul and shares the joys, sorrows, and unwavering hope of a nation crafted by shared dreams and diverse histories. Far from being a haphazard collection of musical scraps, APQ is a deliberately designed homage to America’s past and a showcase of its dynamic present. It beckons listeners to meditate upon our shared identity and relish in the musical threads that bind us. Just as an intricately designed quilt becomes a cherished family heirloom, when the distinct patterns of APQ’s music align in perfect harmony, the result is both a blanket of warmth and a timeless treasure.

Clay Ross is a 2x Grammy Award-winning artist and the founder of the Billboard chart-topping band Ranky Tanky. A native of South Carolina, Ross moved to NYC in 2002 and has since collaborated with artists as diverse as Gregory Porter, Snarky Puppy, and Bobby McFerrin. Winning multiple grants through the U.S. State Department, he has toured worldwide as a Cultural Ambassador. www.clayross.com

Clarence Penn is an "inexhaustibly creative" drummer (The New York Times) renowned for his dynamic interpretations across global styles. He has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Ellis and Wynton Marsalis, Betty Carter, and Michael Brecker. Penn's extensive touring and prolific recording career encompass a diverse array of musical expressions. www.clarencepenn.com

Falu (Faluguni Shah) is a GRAMMY® Award-winning artist acclaimed for her innovative fusion of modern styles with classical Indian vocal traditions. She has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Wyclef Jean, Philip Glass, Ricky Martin, Blues Traveler, and A.R. Rahman. Notably, Falu performed at the world's largest stadium before 132,000 attendees, an event broadcast to billions globally. She has graced the GRAMMYs pre-telecast ceremony, entertained President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House, and was the featured performer at the Time 100 Gala in 2009. Since 2006, Falu has served as Carnegie Hall's ambassador of Indian music. https://www.falumusic.com

Yasushi Nakamura, praised as "one of the most commanding voices on bass today," is renowned globally for his imaginative melodies and solid blues foundation. Born in Tokyo, Japan, he moved to the United States at age nine. Nakamura earned a BA in Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2000 and an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School in 2006, where he was awarded a full scholarship. He has toured worldwide, collaborating with esteemed artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Dave Douglas, Wycliffe Gordon, Toshiko Akiyoshi, Hank Jones, and Steve Miller. His albums "A Lifetime Treasure" (2016) and "Hometown" (2017) showcase his innovative approach to jazz, with "Hometown" receiving JazzLife magazine's Album of the Year award. https://www.yasushinakamurabass.com/