American Patchwork Quartet (APQ)—founded by multi-GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist and vocalist Clay Ross and shaped in collaboration with an ensemble of internationally celebrated musicians—binds timeless American folk songs with jazz sophistication, country twang, West African hypnotics, and East Asian ornamentation. Their debut album 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, he collaborates with a core quartet that weaves dynamic guitar work, Indian classical vocals, and a jazz-driven rhythm section into a richly textured sound. Together, these world-class musicians form a living patchwork of traditions and perspectives—united not by similarity, but by a shared commitment to collaboration, representation, and artistic integrity.
APQ resonates as a potent symbol of unity through diversity. It stands as a 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—woven from honest collaboration and the pursuit of deeper understanding. Each carefully chosen piece explores America’s patchwork soul and highlights the joys, sorrows, and unwavering hope of a nation crafted by shared dreams and diverse histories.
A deliberately designed homage to America’s past and a showcase of its dynamic present, APQ beckons listeners to reflect on our shared identity and savor the musical threads that bind us. Just as an intricate 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.