09/11/2026
Another great writeup of this breakthrough group that brings local culture into today's music scene. See them live at Middle C tomorrow night!!
https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1058985/ranky-tanky-2026-charlotte-middle-c-jazz-club
Ranky Tanky Expands Its Sound on New Album, ‘This Village’
The album’s title track, written by Singleton, celebrates the roles we play in our community. “Each one, teach one/Love one another,” Parler sings. As she and Singleton harmonize over a key change before the final chorus, there’s an arms-around-each-other feeling akin to “We Are the World.”
“It’s a message we have to hear loud and clear right now, like an anthem as morning medicine,” says Baxter. “Your village is your community, your get down, your household. It’s about helping one another. Do something kind for somebody today, with some purpose and intentionality.”
Since its 2017 debut, Ranky Tanky has won two Grammy Awards, while Ross also earned a nomination with his other group, American Patchwork Quartet, which reinterprets traditional folk songs with multicultural influences. That band’s varied sonic perspective finds its way into This Village via Ross’s Malian-inspired guitar on “Be Alright” and a Chuck Berry-esque intro to “Rejoice,” while Singleton channels South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela on “Our Love.”
“The spirituality of our culture informs the band, but you’re also hearing a branching out, with contemporary influences making their way into this project,” notes Baxter, who produced the album, which was recorded at Charleston’s Truphonic Studios before engineering with lauded producer Vance Powell in Nashville.
WRITER: Stratton Lawrence 🙏
Thank you Charleston Magazine for the continued support! See the full story on their website now!
