G. Pat Harris

G. Pat Harris is a bassist and composer that has his feet planted in the Americana, jazz, and classical traditions. Originally from Michigan, he has had the honor of performing with extraordinary musicians including drummers Peter Erskine and Terri Lynne Carringtion, saxophonists Dave Liebman, Phil Woods, and Bobby Watson, the soul group Little Anthony and the Imperials, as well TV and movie personalities John Davidson and Jodi Benson.

A student of Edward Fedewa and John Fremgen (among many others), Pat graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor’s in Classical Bass Performance and a minor in philosophy from Central Michigan University in 2007. While in Michigan, Pat formed and recorded with the newgrass band The Mountain Town Moonshiners who independently toured and released a self-titled album before their appearance at the 2006 Wheatland Music Festival.

Since his move to Austin in 2007, Pat has performed in a master class for the legendary jazz bassist Rufus Reid and performed John Adams’ Chamber Symphony in front of the composer. He regularly preforms with the American Repertory Ensemble under the creative direction of David Justin. In 2008, composer James Fusik wrote a piece for bass and piano for Pat to be entered in the ISB competition. In 2009, Pat earned his Master’s degree in Jazz Performance with academic honors from the University of Texas at Austin.

Pat can currently be heard performing around Austin with many talented musicians and groups including the Pat Harris Quintet, Gabriel Santiago, the Peter Stoltzman Trio, Tameca Jones, Leah and the Moonlighters, The Austin Symphony Orchestra, as well as the chamber group Revel and The American Repertory Ensemble which combines classical and contemporary music with dance. He records frequently and has recently premiered “Conversatio Morum” by renown Texas composer Stephen Barber.

In October 2009, Pat independently released his first album as a leader titled “Live 4/9/09″ which is available at all shows. He also performed on “Walk the Path” with the Peter Stoltzman Trio which was released on October 29.