Pat Thomas: This is Trick Step

Where to begin with the music of Pat Thomas? The London-born pianist began his journey in classical music before a televised performance by Oscar Peterson led him down the path of jazz and free improvisation. Over the past forty-plus years, Thomas has forged a singular voice in the avant-garde, contributing to groundbreaking ensembles such as the About Group, Black Top, the London Improvisers Orchestra, اسم (ism), and the critically acclaimed quartet أحمد (Ahmed) with Antonin Gerbal, Seymour Wright, and Joel Grip. The latter reimagines the music of bassist, oud player, and composer Ahmed Abdul-Malik, blending North African traditions with post-bop freedom.

Thomas' piano style draws equally from the angular brilliance of Thelonious Monk and the torrential force of Cecil Taylor. But his artistic reach extends far beyond the keyboard. He has long been fascinated by electronics and programming, crafting music that reflects his unorthodox and ever-curious spirit.

With This Is Trick Step, Thomas returns to a sound reminiscent of his earlier intersections with John Coxon and Ashley Wales of Spring Heel Jack, their drum-and-bass innovations once recast through the lens of free improvisation. Yet Thomas takes things further: his electronics here reject dance-floor conventions in favor of a raw, uncompromising sonic terrain. The beats are jagged and propulsive; the textures squirm and fracture, offering no easy solace.

As with his acoustic work, Thomas' electronic explorations are anything but conventional. This Is Trick Step underscores his restless creativity—bold, challenging, and wholly original.