Q-O2.be – info@q-02.be – previous editions
Oscillation is a festival by Q‑O2 werkplaats, organised by Julia Eckhardt, Caroline Profanter, Dries Robbe, Maryia Kamarova, Ludo Engels, Christel Simons, Cis De Gendt, Carlo Sampaolesi, Gustave Muhozi, and Billy Moisseron.
02.05.2025 22:00
Pat Thomas
For 25 years now, beginning with Nur (Emanem) and continuing through Al-Khwarizmi Variations (Fataka), The Elephant Clock of Al-Jazari (OTOROKU), and now The Solar Model of Ibn Al-Shatir , Pat Thomas has drawn on the Arabic world for the titles of his solo piano works—specifically, the long-standing Islamic tradition of astronomical invention. For Thomas, the work of the polymaths to whom he dedicates his music has been sidelined by Eurocentrism, just as the Arabic origin of “jass” and the scalar, intervallic, and polyphonic contributions of Arab musicians have been routinely overlooked. Islamic innovation is at the heart of Thomas’ solo projects, forming a direct link between his Sufi faith and his entirely unique style of playing. Each of his solo piano records is a dedication—not only to the innovators he names but also to the beauty of the universe in all its complexities.
Pat Thomas began playing piano at the age of eight. He studied classical music while also developing an early interest in reggae. His passion for jazz was sparked after seeing the legendary pianist Oscar Peterson on television. Thomas’ musical activities include solo piano performances, the Black Top project with Orphy Robinson, a duo with Han Bennink, and a trio with William Parker and Hamid Drake. In 2014, he received the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Award for Composers.