Description
Hikmah is an astonishing solo piano work from virtuosic and far-ranging sound scientist; deep and compassionate thinker and musical treasure: Pat Thomas. It is a singular work in his singular and now substantial body of work, and his first for the TAO Forms label, which we are honored to present.
Pat Thomas was Born in Oxford, UK to Antiguan parents on July 27, 1960. Interestingly, just over 4 months separate his birth to that of fellow modern piano master Matthew Shipp (Dec 7, 1960) - whose The Piano Equation was TAO Forms inaugural release. Thomas is most certainly among the Black Mystery School Pianists of which Shipp elucidates in the title essay of his recently published first book.
Eight thoroughly focused improvised and otherwise compositions recorded at Fish Factory studio in London. The album's title, Hikmah, means "wisdom" in Arabic. The title is also presented in two different forms of Arabic calligraphic script on the cover artwork. This album brings the information. The vibrantly living jazz tradition and new modes of expression in abundance are brought forth from a lifetime of work and a decades long devotion to Sufism, understanding that the practice and performance of this music is an elemental form of spiritual practice. As William Parker writes in the liner notes, "[the] music becomes the prophet and the prayer all in one gesture." And, "If you haven't yet heard the music of Pat Thomas, get hip to it quickly."
Attuned American audiences are most likely to have become familiar with Pat Thomas through his work with the quartet [Ahmed], whom over recent years have amazed with their mesmeric, long-form explorations on the compositions of Ahmed Abdul-Malik, and more recently, Thelonious Monk. Their debut US performance took place in March 2025, and TAO Forms were lucky members of the rapt audience at Roulette in Brooklyn that night; the group flew to Knoxville the next day to perform to an equally rapt audience at Big Ears.
Available on 6-panel digipak CD printed on heavyweight board, with liner notes by William Parker and LP with insert featuring liner notes by William Parker & Pat Thomas Discography + download card. Ltd edition of 500.
Press Quotes:
" Over the last couple of decades, he's emerged as the UK's pre-eminent modern master of the piano avant-garde." - Daniel Spicer, Jazzwise
"Thomas is an inspiring presence, transforming jazz, reggae, jungle, funk and modern composition into music of mind-boggling invention and beauty." - Stewart Smith, The Guardian
