Biography

Every note that he plays seems to have a purpose and a place, and both purpose and place usually have something to do with melody.” - The Globe and Mail  “Patterson....a perfectionist with a big, round and dominating sound that turns every tune into a stimulating experience.” – The Toronto Star  The work of Canadian guitarist Roy Patterson has been documented on several CDs released between 1989 and 2014, receiving national and international recognition. His quartet won the coveted Prix de Jazz at the 1997 Montreal Jazz Festival, and his playing has been compared with some of the most recognized guitarists in recent decades. His music has taken him to Europe, the USA, Asia, and across Canada. As an educator Roy taught in the jazz programme at the University of Toronto for over a decade and since 2003 has taught at Toronto’s York University. For over twenty years he was a regular contributor to the US publication, “Just Jazz Guitar” and is profiled in, “The Great Jazz Guitarists: The Ultimate Guide” by Scott Yanow. (Backbeat Books, 2013) Currently on a research leave from York University, Roy will be in Taiwan for an extended period, performing with Taiwanese jazz musicians and completing a book called, Harmony for Jazz Guitar.