Paul Clarvis

Born on 9 April 1963 in London, England, Clarvis took up drumming in childhood and performed jazz and rock numbers during his school years while also appearing with the National Youth Orchestra. Following a two-year period at the Royal College of Music, he turned professional. Jazz remained central, yet he simultaneously developed an interest in folk music. In the classical sphere he collaborated with the BBC Symphony Orchestra for a Harrison Birtwistle performance that closed the Proms and with the London Sinfonietta. Jazz associates have included Alan Barnes, Gordon Beck, Tim Garland, John Law, Phil Lee, Jon Lloyd, Henry Lowther, Sam Rivers, Andy Sheppard, and Stan Sulzmann. Together with Stuart Hall, Sonia Slany and Thad Kelly he founded Orquestra Mahatma, and with Slany he established Village Life Records.

Clarvis brings exceptional technical command to the percussion chair and combines it with evident enthusiasm and flair. Although he has cited several figures from the historic lineage of jazz drummers as favourites, his own approach remains thoroughly contemporary. That historical perspective lends added depth to his jazz work, while his contributions to folk and classical settings stand out for their distinction.