Bio
Patrick Scales
Patrick Scales, born in 1965 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, has been one of the defining electric bassists of the German jazz and fusion scene for decades.
Over a career spanning more than 45 years, he has been a permanent member of major ensembles such as Passport, led by Klaus Doldinger, and The Pee Wee Ellis Assembly.
In addition to his extensive work as a touring and recording artist, he has been dedicated to teaching at various music universities for over 30 years.
Together with his brother, guitarist Martin Scales, he has released three albums under their own name, including productions for renowned jazz labels such as Blue Note Records and Enja Records.
Childhood
He grew up at Lake Eibsee together with his two brothers, Dominic and Martin, at the foot of the Zugspitze, Germany’s highest mountain. His parents, Bob and Brigitte, were employed at a U.S. Army hotel there. At the Eibsee Hotel, bands from all over the world performed every day – an extraordinary musical environment that the Scales brothers were able to experience from an early age.
Live music, along with the view from his room of the impressive north face of the Zugspitze, became formative influences in Patrick’s life.
At the age of eleven, he received his first classical guitar lessons from his teacher, Jeffrey Ashton.
Early Career
For his 14th birthday, he wished for an electric bass—an instrument that would soon shape his musical path.
The professional bassist and guitarist Wayne Martin, a close friend of his parents, took him on as a student. After only six months, Wayne introduced him to a rock band of American musicians, with whom he performed regularly for several months, playing three nights a week at a U.S. Army club.
During his high school years, he played in numerous bands spanning various styles, performing regularly in U.S. Army clubs across Bavaria.
At the same time, his passion for rock climbing grew, and he completed first ascents of several routes in the Wettersteingebirge.
Career Highlights
After graduating from high school, he spent some time in Austin, Texas, making music with friends. Upon returning to Germany, he settled in Munich, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant music scene. In 1994, he met saxophonist Klaus Doldinger and went on to play bass in his band Passport until 2022.
In 1996, he appeared on th album A New Shift by Pee Wee Ellis and subsequently collaborated with him on numerous concerts and recordings for more than two decades.
That same year, he was appointed to his first lecturing position at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Mannheim. He also taught at the Richard Strauss Conservatory Munich and continues to serve on the faculty of the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich.
Collaborations
He has performed at festivals and concerts throughout Europe as well as in North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Over the course of his career, he has worked in concert and studio settings with artists including Klaus Doldinger, Pee Wee Ellis, Fred Wesley, Chuck Loeb, Tony Remy, Ola Onabule, Jason Rebello, Robben Ford, Randy Brecker, Nils Landgren, Dominic Miller, Don Grusin, Claudio Roditi, Jay Ashby, Joy Denalane, Johnny Griffin, Benny Bailey, Bob Mintzer, Till Brönner, Wolfgang Haffner, Max Mutzke, Rainhard Fendrich, Helge Schneider, Udo Lindenberg, among many others.