While a student, David Patrick opened for McCoy Tyner at the Leeds Jazz Festival, performed at the Cork International Jazz festival twice, and toured Bulgaria representing the British Council. He won a full scholarship to complete his post-graduate studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and then moved to Philadelphia, USA for 3 months to further his performing experience.On his return, he took up his first professional post, as artist-in-residence in Northern Ireland, sponsored by the Northern Ireland Arts Council.
Returning to Scotland in 2000, David quickly established himself, performing with the best Scottish musicians and also many musicians from England and beyond. As a sideman, he has performed or recorded with:Alan Barnes, Alec Dankworth, Ben Castle, Bobby Wellins, Bruce Adams, Butch Miles (US, of Count Basie Band fame), Chris Grieve (AUS), Clare Martin, Daniel Soltis (CZ), Dave Chamberlain, Dave O’Higgins, Dave Liebman (US), Guy Barker, Ian Shaw, Jacqui Dankworth, Jay Leonhart (US), Jean Toussaint, John Parricelli, Linley Hamilton (NI), Martin Drew, Martin Zenker (DE), Mike Bradley, Matt Home, Matt Skelton, Ondrej Stveracek (CZ), Pete Wareham (of Acoustic Ladyland), Peter Grant, Roy Hargrove (US, THE Roy Hargove!), Steve Fishwick, Tom Herbert, and Valerie Ponomarev (RU, formerly of the Jazz Messengers).
Also, many of the best musicians coming out of Scotland:
Alyn Cosker, Calum Gourlay, Colin Steele, Doug Hough, Euan Burton, Graham Scott, John Burgess, John Rae, Konrad Wiszniewski, Laura MacDonald, Lino Roche (VE), Lucy Kendra, Martin Kershaw, Malcolm McFarlane, Mike Travis, Nigel Clarke, Niki King, Paul Towndrow, Peter Grant, Phil O’Malley, Richard Worth (formerly of NY funksters Groove Collective), Ricky Steele, Ryan Quigley, Todd, Gordon, Tom Gordon, Tom MacNiven.
[If you got missed out by accident, just get in touch and you'll be added to this list.]
Recent concerts have featured performances at the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow, The Hub and The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh, Pizza Express, London, and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, as part of the London Jazz Festival 2006. Closer to home, David regularly performs at The Jazz Bar and The Lot in Edinburgh, and Bar Brel in Glasgow, not forgetting Café Artista on Marchmont Road– David recommends Bruno’s coffee as the best in the Southside of Edinburgh.
From 2001-04, David played with salsa/ folk fusion group Salsa Celtica, performing in North America (including New York’s Lincoln Center), Singapore, and many (50+) major festivals in Europe, including WOMAD. He contributed several arrangements to their album ‘El Agua de la Vida’. Committed to playing in the jazz tradition, he also began collaborating with mainstream jazz singer Todd Gordon, and together, they have performed at The Plaza and Algonquin Hotels, New York, and many prestigious venues throughout the UK.
In 2003, David set up his first Scottish tour as a bandleader. With Scottish Arts Council assistance, and in collaboration with musicians from New York, the Bain/Patrick Quartet toured throughout Scotland for 2 weeks. More recently, a Scottish tour with Bobby Wellins and his international trio received rave reviews, making the top 5 recommend concerts in The Times, and obtaining a four-star review in the Herald. His current group, Quiet Now, pays homage to the gentler side of jazz, emphasising atmosphere, space and interaction. David also continues to compose, arrange and perform new compositions with his trio and quartet.
In addition to maintaining a busy performance schedule, David is passionately committed to jazz education. He currently teaches on the undergraduate course in jazz at Strathclyde University, conducts workshops for the National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, and has been a guest tutor at the Glasgow and Edinburgh Jazz Summer Schools. He also teaches privately. Former students have gone on to perform with George Benson(!), Troy Miller, Soweto Kinch, Amy Winehouse, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra, The National Youth Jazz Orchestra of Scotland, Tommy Smith’s Youth Jazz Orchestra, and members of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra. Junior/ elementary students have gone on to study at the Royal Academy of Music, London; Berklee School of Music, Boston and Leeds College of Music.
Recent quotes from the press, fellow-musicians and workshop leaders include:
‘Stylish contemporary pianist’ The Guardian
‘Patrick’s arrangements are exceptionally well crafted throughout’ Clive Davis, The Times
‘His piano wove as strong a spell… and was exactly right for this intimate venue’ Edinburghguide
‘Great writing - your charts really work.’ Acclaimed American saxophonist, Dave Liebman
‘Thank you very much… your work was incredibly valuable to the students and the workshops were a great success.’ Richard Chester, Director, National Youth Orchestra of Scotland
