Pat Thomi
- Composer
- Music Department
- Soundtrack
Pat Thomi is a composer, arranger, instrumentalist, and producer. Born and raised in Basel, Switzerland, Pat developed his eclectic taste in music during his childhood which was filled with musical exposure. His father was an accomplished classical and jazz pianist. He instilled in his son a passion for the great masters of classical music, from Mozart to Wagner and from Berlioz to Debussy. While he was firmly grounded in the classical realm, Pat also found he had a shared his father's love of jazz and the big band sound, as well as becoming fascinated with the new progressive rock music of bands such as The Beatles.
Pat first created music on drums, which allowed him to develop an innate sense of rhythm and timing. He later began took up the keyboard and branched out into the guitar, spending two years studying harmony and composition at the Basel Conservatory of Music. Eager to refine his performance skills, he formed the jazz/rock band 'Ramayana,' which played such popular venues as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Zurich Jazz Festival. He also performed with them in numerous nightclubs throughout Europe. The legendary Swiss composer, arranger and orchestra leader George Gruntz served as one of Pat's great mentors, convincing him to refine his talent through an advanced musical education. Pat came to America where he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He would study film scoring and delve into the emotional and technical aspects of composing music for motion pictures. It is said his compositions evoke visuals in the listener's mind which sets them on an inner journey.
His unique guitar style has been featured on television commercials for such clients as Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, and Kawasaki. He was also heard on the film "The Final Cut" starring Sam Elliott, and the popular "Knight Rider" series. He also scored the acclaimed PBS documentary "Speed" and the independent film "Dry Long So," which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pat arrived in Los Angeles in 1981 and studied with the jazz guitarists Pat Martino and Joe Diorio. He also immersed himself in the local music community and began playing live and in the studio with such diverse artists as Gino Vannelli, Joe Vannelli, Jean Luc Ponty, Bonnie Hayes, L. Subramaniam, Gary Wright, David Liebman, as well as Prince proteges Wendy and Lisa and writing string arrangements for Bjork.
He soon built his own state-of-the-art studio where he had the freedom to express his musical ideas. In 1994, he released a progressive pop/jazz instrumental CD entitled "Night of the Coral," produced by Joe Vanelli for Vie Records. 3 more releases followed under his own label Blue Blimp Records: "Fairytales", which was an acoustic compilation, "Remote Control", a piece showcasing his edgier side, and, the now legendary, "Pyramids" album, which is a collection of richly textured atmospheric acoustic pieces. Upon its release, "Pyramids" was heard for several years on the "Music Choice" Soundscape channel and the album spent 2 months at #1 on the World Contemporary Instrumental music charts.
Today Pat lives and works in his own cutting-edge and state-of-the-art studio in West Los Angeles, where he continues to compose, produce, arrange and perform his remarkable music.
Pat first created music on drums, which allowed him to develop an innate sense of rhythm and timing. He later began took up the keyboard and branched out into the guitar, spending two years studying harmony and composition at the Basel Conservatory of Music. Eager to refine his performance skills, he formed the jazz/rock band 'Ramayana,' which played such popular venues as the Montreux Jazz Festival and the Zurich Jazz Festival. He also performed with them in numerous nightclubs throughout Europe. The legendary Swiss composer, arranger and orchestra leader George Gruntz served as one of Pat's great mentors, convincing him to refine his talent through an advanced musical education. Pat came to America where he attended the Berklee School of Music in Boston. He would study film scoring and delve into the emotional and technical aspects of composing music for motion pictures. It is said his compositions evoke visuals in the listener's mind which sets them on an inner journey.
His unique guitar style has been featured on television commercials for such clients as Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, and Kawasaki. He was also heard on the film "The Final Cut" starring Sam Elliott, and the popular "Knight Rider" series. He also scored the acclaimed PBS documentary "Speed" and the independent film "Dry Long So," which was featured at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pat arrived in Los Angeles in 1981 and studied with the jazz guitarists Pat Martino and Joe Diorio. He also immersed himself in the local music community and began playing live and in the studio with such diverse artists as Gino Vannelli, Joe Vannelli, Jean Luc Ponty, Bonnie Hayes, L. Subramaniam, Gary Wright, David Liebman, as well as Prince proteges Wendy and Lisa and writing string arrangements for Bjork.
He soon built his own state-of-the-art studio where he had the freedom to express his musical ideas. In 1994, he released a progressive pop/jazz instrumental CD entitled "Night of the Coral," produced by Joe Vanelli for Vie Records. 3 more releases followed under his own label Blue Blimp Records: "Fairytales", which was an acoustic compilation, "Remote Control", a piece showcasing his edgier side, and, the now legendary, "Pyramids" album, which is a collection of richly textured atmospheric acoustic pieces. Upon its release, "Pyramids" was heard for several years on the "Music Choice" Soundscape channel and the album spent 2 months at #1 on the World Contemporary Instrumental music charts.
Today Pat lives and works in his own cutting-edge and state-of-the-art studio in West Los Angeles, where he continues to compose, produce, arrange and perform his remarkable music.