by Ron WynnA marvelously gifted drummer, Michael Carvin has been a prolific contributor to the contemporary jazz scene. Whether driving a group, doing a solo, or interacting with the rhythm section, Carvin has demonstrated outstanding technique and sensitive accompanying skills. His father was a drummer who taught him the basics prior to Carvin joining Earl Grant's big band in the mid-'60s. After a tour of duty in Vietnam, Carvin played with B.B. King. Later came stints with Freddie Hubbard, Pharoah Sanders, Lonnie Liston Smith, McCoy Tyner, Jackie McLean, and Clive Stevens' Atmospheres during the '70s, plus recordings with Mickey Bass and Charles Davis in the '80s. Carvin has done his own recordings for Muse and Steeplechase in the '70s, '80s, and '90s.