Hikmah

'Hikmah' is the astonishing new solo piano work from virtuosic & far-ranging sound scientist; deep & compassionate thinker; UK-based musical treasure, Pat Thomas. It is a singular album in his singular and now substantial body of work, and his first for the TAO Forms label, which we are honored to present. This album brings the information.Pat Thomas was Born in Oxford, UK to Antiguan parents on July 27, 1960. Interestingly, just over 4 months separate his birth from 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.Hikmah comprises eight thoroughly focused improvised and otherwise compositions recorded at Fish Factory studio in London. The album’s title means wisdom, in Arabic. The title is also presented in two different forms of calligraphic script on the cover artwork. Herein, the vibrantly living jazz tradition, and new modes of expression in abundance, are brought forth from a lifetime of work/study and a decades long devotion to Sufism, understanding that the practice and performance of this music is an elemental form of spiritualpractice. 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.”