American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) brings new life to old songs. Led by multi-GRAMMY Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross, the ensemble binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation.
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. Together, they approach American roots music as a living practice: something carried, questioned, transformed, and passed on.
Their GRAMMY-nominated self-titled debut album reveals the United States as a place of overlapping histories and evolving traditions, where folk songs become vessels for memory and migration, struggle and hope. In APQ’s hands, familiar melodies open into new textures and unexpected connections, inviting audiences to hear American music as a shared but unfinished story.
About the Artists:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Presented by the Arthur Zankel Music Center. Made possible by the Zankel Music Fund, the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and the Alfred Z. Solomon Community Fund for Children, Youth, and the Arts.
Additional Info
This event offers two ways to attend: a standard General Admission ticket at $25 plus fees, or Pay-What-You-Will admission for patrons who would like to choose their own price. Paying at the suggested level, or above it when possible, helps support our programming and keeps concerts at Zankel accessible to students, families, and community members. Skidmore students, faculty, and staff can access free or discounted tickets by using the Single Sign On option. Tickets are free for children 18 and under.