Pat Thomas

Pat Thomas first engaged with music at eight years old. Classical studies formed part of his background while reggae held an early appeal. A television broadcast featuring pianist Oscar Peterson prompted his turn toward jazz. By 1979 he had begun performing seriously as an improviser. Electronic exploration became central to his practice through performance and programming of electronic keyboards together with the incorporation of pre-recorded tapes. In 1986 he joined the group Ghosts, whose members included flutist and saxophonist Pete McPhail along with percussionist Matt Lewis. Two new compositions for the ten-piece electro-acoustic ensemble Monads earned him a commission in 1988; the lineup featured vocalist Phil Minton, violinist Phil Durrant, bassist Marcio Matttos, and trumpeter Jon Corbett. Guitarist Derek Bailey invited him to Company Week in both 1990 and 1991. He has appeared with drummer Tony Oxley in the latter’s quartet and Celebration Orchestra as well as in multiple settings with soprano saxophonist Lol Coxhill. Further spontaneous partnerships have involved Steve Beresford, Thurston Moore, and Eugene Chadbourne. The quartet Scatter was founded by Thomas in 1992 with Minton, Roger Turner, and Dave Tucker; the band toured the U.K. in 1993 and again in 1997. He also belongs to the power trio Powerfield alongside drummer Joe Gallivan and electric guitarist Gary Smith, a unit that has recorded for Gallivan’s newjazz.com label. Independent European jazz labels such as Incus, Leo, Intakt, and Acta have documented his work. In 2001 Emanem issued 3 Pianos, a recording uniting Thomas with Beresford and Veryan Weston.