Faculty Member, Cardiff School of CReative and Cultural Industries
Head of The Music Academy
About
With over 20 years experience in both the music industry and academia, Paul Carr has acquired a wide range of research and professional interests. Originally studying Commercial Music at graduate diploma level at Newcastle College in the early 1980’s, he subsequently obtained his BA(hons) from Middlesex University, followed by a PhD under the supervision of pioneering British composer Gavin Bryars.
Prior to his current position at the University of Glamorgan, Paul was head of Popular Music at Bournemouth and Poole College for nine years.
As a musician he considers himself lucky to have performed and recorded with some of the most well respected musicians on the international music scene, including Steve White (The Style Council), Phil Gould (Level 42), Alan Barnes, Jeff Gasgoine, and Laurence Cottle, to name but a few. His work as a member of the James Taylor Quartet gave him the opportunity to perform at some of Europe’s most prestigious venues, including Ronnie Scots, and the Wiesen/Nice Jazz Festivals (Alongside Herbie Hancock, George Benson, Chick Corea, amongst others). After developing reputation as a guitarist on the London jazz scene, Polydor Records commissioned him to compose three tracks for their showcase album 'A Certain Kind Of Freedom', which featured members of the Style Council, Roachford, Level 42, and Sting’s band. One of Paul’s proudest moments is to be the only British guitarist to record under his own name with the acclaimed American tenor saxophonist – Bob Berg.
The need for a ‘normal’ family life eventually encouraged Paul to distance himself from life as a touring musician, so the majority of his professional activities now involve research, composition and lecturing. As one would expect with such a diverse musical history, his research interests are varied. Recent projects have included a paper on the stylistic impact of jazz electric guitarists who have fused the jazz aesthetic with other music forms and a numerious initiatives into the work of Frank Zappa, including an investigation into his use of musical theatre.
Paul has also had numerous transcription songbooks published through ‘Wise Publications’, and currently acts as an external examiner for Popular Music related awards at LeedsUniversity, Bath Spa University, and Liverpool Hope University.
Contact Information
http://paulcarrmusings.wordpress.com/
paul.carr77
