Album Notes

Ross Patterson’s career in music has been as varied and eclectic as the many styles he loves to play. Ross started playing the piano at the age of seven and continued on the
“traditional” path throughout his teens. Along with discovering the magic of Mozart and Chopin, two distinct events, separated by almost 10 years, had a profound affect on Ross’s experience of music. One was receiving a book of Boogie Woogie from his very first teacher, and the other was attending his first rock concert; BB King opening for Janis Joplin and the Full Tilt Boogie Band. That’s when he discovered the Blues and he wanted to know how to play them. So he sought out a teacher, and he found one. His name was Herbie Hancock. Yes, at age 16, Herbie Hancock taught Ross how to play the 12 bar blues. Amazing!
After high school, Ross decided to continue with his classical studies and attended The Oberlin Conservatory of Music. After leaving Oberlin, Ross spent two years on the road as Musical Director for the Ice Capades before heading to NYC. There he quickly became one of the most sought after pianists by singers. This led to Ross musical directing, arranging and recording for many of the top cabaret artists in New York. In 1997 he was honored with the Backstage Bistro Award for outstanding musical direction.
For the past six years Ross has been the arranger, musical director and band leader for the critically acclaimed Broadway by the Year concert series at The Town Hall, as well as for the Broadway Unplugged series, also at The Town Hall. For these concerts he is joined on stage by his 5 piece band, the Ross Patterson Little Big Band. In 2005 Ross was honored by Donald Smith and the Mabel Mercer Foundation with the first ever Bart Howard Award.
Although classically trained, and best known for his work with singers, Ross’s inspiration for his own original music comes from such great artists as varied as Thelonious Monk, Keith Jarrett, Ella Fitzgerald, the Talking Heads and Frank Zappa. His own writing style is hard to describe; a little Scarlatti, a little Glass and a little world conversation. But however you describe it; his melodies are beautiful and reflect his unique artistry and his sensitive view on life. This is evident in his CD, 8 Themes for Living, a live recording of his solo concert at St. Paul’s Chapel in NYC.
Whether playing solo piano or with the Ross Patterson Little Big Band, one gets a sense of Ross’s deep classical roots, tinged with his sense of humor and commitment to great music.
And even more important than all of his musical influences, is the influence of his beautiful wife Elissa and his 3 loving children, Jenna, Rachel and Mercer. They are a daily reminder of how special the journey is.