American Patchwork Quartet Celebrate Shared Joys Across Cultures On Reinvention Of Appalachian Bluegrass Classic "Lazy John"
Debut Album (Out February 9) Renews American Folk Traditions By Redefining What It Means To Be 'Traditionally American'
American Patchwork Quartet, a collective of award-winning musicians from across artistic and cultural backgrounds, have made their return this December with an ode to the simple pleasures that bring us together - when so much tries to divide us apart. Featuring vocals from a pair of recent GRAMMY winners - Clay Ross (a recipient of two Best Regional Roots Album awards since 2020) and Falu (the first Indian-born female singer-songwriter to win; and once-again a nominee in 2024) - APQ have reworked “Lazy John” into a celebration of all we have in common.
Originally an old-time fiddle tune, the song’s lyrics cherish those special moments when we can put work aside to make memories with friends and family. Galvanized by APQ’s dynamic rhythm section of go-to jazz bassist Yasushi Nakamura (Cecile McLorin Salvant, Joe Lovano, Kurt Elling) and drummer Clarence Penn (who’s played on two GRAMMY-winning records, won a Juno Award and was mentored by Ellis Marsalis) - the shared bliss of working for your weekend, or coming home for the holidays, stands as proof we’re more similar than we’ll ever be different. Listen to American Patchwork Quartet’s “Lazy John” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JozxN8mnCj8
“Lazy John” is the latest offering from APQ’s self-titled debut album out February 9. With a mission to reclaim the immigrant soul of American roots music, the group reinterpret the country’s centuries-old folk songbook by uplifting its underrepresented voices - infusing these standards with elements like classical Hindustani vocal work or traditions from the Black churches of Detroit. These are songs synonymous with the American experience, updated by APQ by incorporating their own American voices - which, in many cases, are voices that wouldn't have been incorporated when these songs were first popularized. Throughout the debut album's tracklist, we find potent symbols of unity in diversity, exploring universal truths through a range of musical languages and cultural lenses - themes like longing, heartbreak, desire, fulfillment, tranquility and love...ultimately revealing the joys, sorrows, and unwavering hope of a nation crafted by shared dreams and diverse histories.
Pre-order American Patchwork Quartet’s debut album here (out February 9) and listen to previously-released advance tracks “Beneath The Willow” and “Gone For Soldier.”
AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET - TRACKLIST:
Beneath The Willow
Lazy John
The Devil's Nine
Cuckoo Bird
Shenandoah
Pretty Saro
Soul of a Man
Gone For Soldier
Big Sciota
Wind And Rain
I'm So Glad
Wayfaring Stranger
John The Revelator
The Blackest Crow
AMERICAN PATCHWORK QUARTET - TOUR DATES:
January 10, 2024 - West Palm Beach, FL - Rinker Playhouse
February 9, 2024 - Princeton, NJ - McCarter Theatre Center
February 10, 2024 - New York, NY - Joe's Pub (Album Release Celebration)
February 16, 2024 - Goshen, IN - Goshen College Music Center
February 17, 2024 - Joplin, MO - Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex Beshore Performance Hall
February 21, 2024 - Santa Cruz, CA - Kuumbwa Jazz Center
February 22, 2024 - Rohnert Park, CA - Green Music Center at Sonoma State University
February 23, 2024 - Modesto, CA - Gallo Center for the Performing Arts
February 24, 2024 - Tempe, AZ - Tempe Center for the Arts
June 15, 2024 - Pine Plains, NY - The Stissing Center
Follow American Patchwork Quartet