After more than four decades, renowned jazz drummer Michael Carvin is making his long-awaited return to San Francisco. Despite his extended absence from the city, his influence has been deeply felt in the world of jazz, especially among drummers who have emerged since the mid-1970s.
Carvin, who has been based in Los Angeles since 2019, will perform four shows at Black Cat on April 9-10 with his trio, The Michael Carvin Experience. Joining him are bassist Mike Gurrola and pianist Peter Smith, both prominent figures on the L.A. jazz scene. Carvin has expressed his admiration for the contrasting personalities of his bandmates, with Smith’s free-spirited energy balancing Gurrola’s intense virtuosity. Carvin, 80, is known for his uncompromising approach to live performances, insisting that no sheet music be allowed on stage, as he likens it to a dentist reading a manual while working.
In a recent, candid two-hour interview, Carvin reflected on his journey from his early days in Houston, under the guidance of his father, a prominent Gulf Coast drummer, to his rise in the jazz scene. After moving to Los Angeles in 1963, Carvin quickly established himself and by the end of the 1960s, he had achieved nearly all of his career goals. A brief stint in San Francisco in 1971 led him to perform with vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson and trumpet legend Freddie Hubbard, but Carvin’s sights were set on New York, where he moved in 1973 and became an integral part of the vibrant jazz scene.
Carvin’s passion for education began early. In 1970, he established the School of Drumming, where many notable drummers, including Ralph Peterson Jr., Eric McPherson, Allison Miller, and Tyshawn Sorey, honed their craft. Carvin also played a pivotal role in mentoring drummers beyond jazz, including Santana’s Michael Shrieve and Beyoncé’s Kimberly Thompson. His teaching philosophy is personalized, focusing on helping each student find their unique voice rather than adhering to a rigid system.
One of Carvin’s most impactful mentoring relationships was with Nasheet Waits, whose father, Freddie Waits, passed away when he was just 18. After struggling with his grief, Waits turned to Carvin for guidance. Carvin, who had already become a key figure in the New York jazz community, provided both musical education and life lessons that have shaped Waits’ career. Today, Waits is one of the most respected drummers in jazz, particularly known for his work with pianist Jason Moran’s The Bandwagon.
Carvin’s career as a session musician has been prolific, with over 250 album appearances. He played a significant role in the Oakland-based Black Jazz Records label’s early releases and worked with jazz greats like Pharoah Sanders, Jackie McLean, and Cecil McBee. He also recorded with Motown and spent time performing on TV variety shows, including the Barbara McNair Show.
Although Carvin briefly lived in San Francisco in the early ’70s, he had initially planned to move to New York. But before heading east, he spent time at the Both/And Club in San Francisco, where he connected with cutting-edge jazz players and collaborated with Hutcherson. This period was pivotal in shaping Carvin’s musical direction.
As Carvin prepares to take the stage once again in San Francisco, he reflects on the legacy of the great drummers who came before him, such as Papa Jo Jones, Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones. His goal remains clear: to leave a lasting impact by nurturing the next generation of exceptional drummers, ensuring that his influence will endure for years to come.
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