Pat Thomas began playing piano at the age of eight, while studying classical music and listening to reggae. After seeing legendary jazz pianist Oscar Peterson on TV in the late 70s, he began to experiment with the wider realms of sound, developing over time, a musical language that would embrace improvisation, jazz, new music, electronica and abstraction.

Since 1979, Thomas has been the go-to improviser for many modern-day greats, playing with Lol Coxhill, Mike Cooper, Derek Bailey, Peter Brotzmann, Mats Gustafsson and Chris Corsano to name but a few. Current projects include Black Top with Orphy Robinson, Valid Tractor with Lawrence Casserley and Dominic Lash, and About Group with Hot Chip’s Alexis Taylor and John Coxon.

Moving on Music, in association with Queens University, Belfast, are thrilled to present Pat Thomas as he performs a set of special compositions from the legendary Thelonious Monk.

“Thomas always seems supremely in command of his gift, and his playing, no matter how free and ready to tangle with abstraction, always carries a charge of authoritative exactitude.” – The Jazzmann

“Pat Thomas sits in the front rank of British improvisers.” – James Linbloom, Opprobrium