Clone Row is used by Smith as a vehicle to display and showcase a talent at the height of its powers, demonstrating not only his own superlative musicianship but also his strengths as a composer.

“One of the wiliest drummers on the experimental scene”

– The New York Times
“Ches Smith builds here on his reputation as a gifted new voice with an important vision, while showcasing some of the most creative musicians of our time.“

– Marc Ribot
Drummer Tomas Fujiwara and guitarist Mary Halvorson have been collaborating for almost 20 years. They met in New York City in the early 2000’s, and first started playing together in cornetist Taylor Ho Bynum’s sextet.

Since then they have become each other’s most frequent collaborators, working together in a myriad of projects. Their duo project showcases a new book of music built on years of history and collaboration in a stripped down setting.