American Patchwork Quartet

American Patchwork Quartet
American Patchwork Quartet at the Grand Ole Opry in 2024.
Background information
Genres	Americana roots music Hindustani classical music jazz
Years active	2024 - present
Members	Clay Ross Falu Shah Clarence Penn Yasushi Nakamura
Website	http://americanpatchworkquartet.com.

American Patchwork Quartet (APQ) is an American musical group that reinterprets traditional folk songs with multicultural influences. Founded by guitarist and arranger Clay Ross, the group blends elements of jazz, Hindustani classical music, and Americana to explore themes of immigration, identity, and unity. ^{[1] [2]}

Musical style

American Patchwork Quartet's core repertoire consists of classics like The Wayfaring Stranger and Oh Shenandoah, given a unique twist by the inclusion of musical elements not typically associated with American folk music. Their debut album AmericanPatchwork Quartet, released in 2024, features 14 tracks influenced by Appalachian folk, gospel, and Indian classical music. ^{[3] [4]}

Reception

The group first performed at the Grand Ole Opry on June 18, 2024. ^[5] Montana Public Radio called their music a "modern immigrant dream." No Depression praised their ability to connect diverse traditions. ^{[6] [7]} Their first album is currently nominated for Best Folk Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. ^[8]

Discography

• American Patchwork Quartet (2024) ^[9]

Members

• Clay Ross – guitar and vocals
• Falu Shah – vocals
• Yasushi Nakamura – bass
• Clarence Penn – drums

In addition to the four core members above, alternate touring musicians in the American Patchwork Quartet include:

• Harini Raghavan – vocals and violin
• Nori Naraoka – bass
• Moto Fukushima – bass
• Yoshiki Yamada – bass
• Rudy Royston – drums
• Ocie Davis – drums

References

1. "American Patchwork Quartet Weave Modern Immigrant Dreams Into Songs". Montana Public Radio. June 8, 2021. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
2. "Resolution 7: The Tapestry of Arts Can Lead the Way to Societal Unity Among Diversity". Psychiatric Times. January 18, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
3. "Clay Ross Expressing American Folk as a Global Patchwork". WMOT. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
4. "American Patchwork Quartet: Using Music to Unify and Lift Up Diverse Voices". CBS News. February 27, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
5. "American Patchwork Quartet – Grand Ole Opry Debut Performance". YouTube. June 22, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
6. "American Patchwork Quartet's Debut Album Celebrates Multicultural Folk". The Bluegrass Situation. February 19, 2024. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
7. "American Patchwork Quartet Plays Songs of Enduring American Culture". WNYC. Retrieved November 19, 2024.
8. "| Artist | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved November 20, 2024.
9. "American Patchwork Quartet, by American Patchwork Quartet". American Patchwork Quartet. Retrieved November 20, 2024.