Clay Ross

The South Carolina native and Brooklyn resident released Matuto late last August on Ropeadope Records. The album is a mix of originals and covers that melds many musical traditions under one big, open umbrella. Appalachian fiddle tunes bounce with a Northeastern Brazilian lilt while the one string Berimbau resonates with a strangely effective blues riff. Like a true southern preacher, Ross delivers colorfully satirical lyrics reminiscent of David Byrne, Tom Ze, and Caetano Veloso.

Like a true southern preacher, Ross delivers colorfully satirical lyrics reminiscent of David Byrne, Tom Ze, and Caetano Veloso. A virtuosic guitarist, his unique style combines the flatpicking prowess of Tony Rice with the sonic depth of Bill Frisell, plucking three chord folk melodies or sophisticated Brazilian Choros with equal ease.

On "Matuto," Ross displays an honest combination of his background in American roots and pop music with genuine Brazilian styles like Maracatu, Baiao, and Samba. He succeeds through surrounding himself with some of the cities most accomplished musicians across jazz, world, and roots music.