Best Jazz Band
Ranky Tanky
If you didn’t already know, Ranky Tanky is a term translated as “get funky” — which is exactly what the Lowcountry jazz quintet has been doing for over 5 years as it delivers a mixed bag of musical stylings. “Our music is completely connected to the Gullah heritage of the Carolina coast and in every way tied to Charleston,” said guitarist Clay Ross, who is part of the ensemble that includes drummer Quentin Baxter, bassist Kevin Hamilton, lead vocalist Quiana Parler, guitarist Clay Ross and trumpeter Charlton Singleton. “Charleston has been a hotbed for jazz music for 100 years or more,” Ross said. “It’s a place that has nurtured jazz musicians long before we came along and continues to nurture them today.” As the city nears its “new normal,” Ross believes things could be better than ever before. “If you look at times of crisis in American history, they almost always come with a whiplash effect and lead to a boom in the economy. I think in music and art, that has proven to be true as well.” Catch Ranky Tanky at Root of Soul Juneteenth Festival June 19 at Exchange Park in Ladson.
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