Roy Patterson Jazz Guitar Trio

The Roy Patterson Jazz Guitar Trio is led by the acclaimed Canadian guitarist and composer Roy Patterson. Born in South Alton, Nova Scotia, on March 20, 1954, Patterson’s musical journey began in rock music before he transitioned to jazz in the late 1970s. After moving to Toronto in 1978, he became a central figure in the Canadian jazz scene, performing with esteemed artists such as Don Thompson, Terry Clarke, Doug Riley, the Bob Mover Quartet, and Pat LaBarbera. In 1996, the Roy Patterson Quartet made history as the first Toronto-based group to win the Prix de Jazz at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Patterson himself was named Guitarist of the Year by Jazz Report magazine in 2000 and is profiled in Scott Yanow’s "The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide." His discography as a leader includes notable albums like "The Release" (1989), "The Acadiana Suite" (1993), "The Coming of Angels" (1995), "Inland Passages" (1997), "On a Cloud" (2000), and "Songs From My Father’s House" (2014), the latter of which explores an "instrumental Americana" style influenced by his rural Nova Scotian roots. He also released "Uwattibi" (2012) in collaboration with Brazilian singer Maria Farinha. Beyond performing, Patterson is a highly respected educator, holding a Master of Music degree and serving on the faculty at the University of Toronto and York University. He has also taught at McGill University and conducted workshops in Poland and Italy. His international career has seen him perform in Finland, Istanbul, Italy, Taiwan, and the United States, establishing him as a significant voice in contemporary jazz guitar characterized by a focus on melody and a warm, dominating sound.