Hailed recently as a "virtuoso" by the Edmonton Sun, Patrick lives and breathes the guitar. By the age of three he could often be found sitting in his back yard strumming a toy rake that his parents had strung with elastic bands. In grade six, Patrick was given his first guitar and hasn't gone a day without playing since. Early on, Patrick became influence by such diverse groups as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Radiohead and U2. He also began an avid interest in classical guitar, with a particular fondness for J.S Bach, and began performing professionally while still in High School.
In 2001, Patrick relocated to Edmonton to study music formally at Grant MacEwan College where he obtained 2 diplomas, one in general music and the other in Jazz performance on guitar. Here, he not only became interested in jazz, but he expand his knowledge in all directions, learning country, pop and more. Studying privately under department head Bobby Cairns, he used this time to build up his chops and study the art of improvising and melodic development. He has been quite busy since graduating in 2004, and has played dates with a number of rock, blues, jazz and country bands across the country, and also teaches private lessons from his home in London, Ontario.
During the summer of 2004 Patrick then toured Canada with a group called CREW ministries, where he regularly sang and played as part of a music group for camps and VBS programs. From the fall of 2004 to spring of 2007, Patrick then studied classical music performance and music education part time at the University of Alberta while working as a music instructor with over 50 private students at a time. At the U of A, he was pushed to analyze all aspects of his technique, while his students during this part of his life pushed him to explore new genres and to refine his teaching methods.
Up to September of 2007, Patrick was playing the blues in clubs, bars, and corporate functions all over central Alberta, with the cities hardest working blues band - "Slowburn", as well as working as a solo classical/jazz guitarist under his own name. He was also a part of the University of Alberta Jazz band, and the Michael Chase band. To date, he has been part of 7 CD's that are available for sale, and has another one that should be available in early 2009. His debut CD with Slowburn is of particular note, as it has received radio play all over Canada on CBC as well as blues programs on many smaller radio stations through Canada and the United States.
Most recently, Patrick completed a tour with Princess cruises as the Showband guitarist for the Golden Princess Orchestra, as well as frequent solo guitar sets. In this role, he played Jazz, latin, Dixie Land, Rock, Country, Funk and fusion music and had the opportunity to play with world class musicians, including members of The Black Eyed Peas Band, Ray Charles Band, and more.
Currently, Patrick is part of several different London, Ontario based based bands: "SoulMedix" plays a mix of Blues, R&B and Motown, "Chasing Arcadia" is an original modern rock group, while "The Lotus Theory" is an all original electro-pop group. The Lotus theory released their debut CD in late 2008 and is currently working hard to promote it. Chasing Arcadia is currently finishing up their latest CD which should become available in early 2009
His playing today is a fusion of countless influences. He is simply passionate about music and effortlessly moves between genres and moods. Patrick's playing is spirited and exciting, and simply must be seen and heard.
