Percussionist Paul Clarvis demonstrates a unique and varied style of musicianship which can be heard across genres ranging from the joyfully raucous Fats Waller reimaginings of ͚Pigfoot͛ (with trumpeter Chris Batchelor and baritone saxophonist James Allsopp), to the sensitive renditions of some of the most beautiful standards in his duo with pianist Liam Noble.

Although he is first and foremost a jazz musician who has firmly carved a niche for his own exuberant playing, Paul is in addition one of the UK’s most sought after session musicians and can be heard on hundreds of film scores including Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Lord of the Rings.

Originally trained in classical percussion at the Royal College of Music where he is now a professor, Paul was the late Leonard Bernstein’s choice of percussionist and was featured in the 1996 Proms in Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s concerto for saxophone and drums. The long list of other composers and artists he has worked and recorded with include Steve Swallow, Nina Simone, Sam Rivers, Mark Anthony Turnage, Randy Brecker, Ravi Shankar and Michael Nyman.

Paul was  involved in the 2012 London Olympic Games Opening Ceremony, writing Dame Evelyn Glennie͛s part, and helping Rick Smith train the 100 drummers who took part in the event.

He has travelled widely researching and studying music from around the world and was asked to chair the panel for the BBC Young Musician of the Year. He continues to live in his native North London.