Guitarist

Comprising four Americans from different cultural backgrounds, the American Patchwork Quartet are activists as well as artists, striving to counter pervasive prejudices around the issues of race and immigration, performing a repertoire of centuries-old American folk songs made new with creative arrangements, drawing connections between the nation’s contemporary culture and its immigrant roots. Led by Grammy-winning vocalist Falu Shah, Grammy-winning guitarist/vocalist Clay Ross, 3x Grammy-winning drummer Clarence Penn, and highly acclaimed and sought-after bassist Yasushi Nakamura, APQ breathes new life into the folk canon, accepting accountability for the future of a country both hospitable and hostile towards those that believe most fervently in its dreams of equality.

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American Patchwork Quartet

McCarter Theatre Center

“Hers is a voice so big and so spine-tinglingly beautiful that on a nightly basis it does the near impossible” (The Guardian). Two-time GRAMMY winner Lisa Fischer joins Gullah groovemasters Ranky Tanky for an incendiary reprise of their sold out 2022 residency.

Known far and wide for her powerhouse vocals and prominent role in director Morgan Neville’s Oscar-winning 2013 music documentary 20 Feet From Stardom, Fischer won a GRAMMY for her #1 charting R&B single “How Can I Ease the Pain” and has toured for over two decades with the Rolling Stones, belting out “Gimme Shelter” to astonished audiences around the world. She’s contributed her soaring instrument to innumerable film soundtracks and performances alongside Luther Vandross, Tina Turner, Gregory Porter, Chris Botti, Sting, and industrial rock juggernaut Nine Inch Nails.

Ms. Lisa Fischer w/ Ranky Tanky

SFJAZZ Center

Get in a Gullah groove with GRAMMY® winning South Carolina band Ranky Tanky. Born of the Gullah culture of the Carolina Coast and Sea Islands, their music is a thrilling collision of traditional spirituals, call and response, folk songs, and playground chants, infused with hot American jazz. Featuring Quentin Baxter (Drums and Percussion), Kevin Hamilton (Bass), Clay Ross (Guitar and Vocals), Charlton Singleton (Trumpet and Vocals) and the phenomenal vocals of lead singer Quiana Parler.

Ranky Tanky with very special guest Ms. Lisa Fischer

New Jersey Performing Arts Center

“The quartet's goal is purposeful: to unleash music's magic to help counteract pervasive prejudices around immigration and race” (Montana Public Radio).

On a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American folk and roots music, Hindustani vocalist Falu Shah, Ranky Tanky guitarist and co-founder Clay Ross, acclaimed Issei bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and master jazz drummer Clarence Penn showcase the dynamic diversity of contemporary culture by reimagining timeless songs from America's past that highlight the country’s immigrant roots.

Clay Ross

Guitarist

Events

Feb 9, 2024

American Patchwork Quartet · McCarter Theatre Center

4 - 7 Jan, 2024

Ms. Lisa Fischer w/ Ranky Tanky · San Francisco Jazz

Nov 9, 2023

Ranky Tanky with very special guest Ms. Lisa Fischer · New Jersey Performing Arts Center

Sep 23, 2023

American Patchwork Quartet · San Francisco Jazz

About

Clay Ross hasn't added a bio