Led by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, American Patchwork Quartet weaves timeless American folk with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation to create an innovative sound that transcends culture, politics, and ideology.
American Patchwork Quartet (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.
Led by multi-GRAMMY® award-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, APQ binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East 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, Moto Fukushima, an internationally acclaimed Issei jazz bassist, and Rudy Royston, a renowned jazz drummer whose fibers were honed by African American church traditions.
Visit APQ’s website.
BIOS FOR AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET
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. clayross.com
Rudy Royston, a Texas-born, Colorado-bred drummer and educator, is known for his dynamic percussion skills honed over three decades. His career, deeply influenced by the celebrated late trumpeter Ron Miles, has seen him explore various genres. Since obtaining a Masters in Music from Rutgers University and relocating to New Jersey in 2006, Royston has collaborated with jazz icons like Bill Frisell, Jason Moran, and Ravi Coltrane. His dedication to music propels him to continually expand his horizons. rudyroyston.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. falumusic.com
Moto Fukushima, bassist and Grammy-nominated co-leader of House of Waters, blends Western classical, traditional Japanese, and South American music into unique jazz compositions. A Berklee alumnus, he has worked with artists like Mike Stern and Dave Weckl. House of Waters' albums have topped iTunes charts, and Moto has earned accolades like the Sports Emmy and ASCAP Plus Award. Currently based in NYC, his talents continue to resonate globally. motobass.com