Paul Sheard

Paul is a really conscientious artist and musician, he prepares a lot, he takes lots of clear notes, always knows what's required of him, takes direction very well and is unafraid to try out new ideas and really place his skills in jeopardy which is for many instrument players a huge problem - but not Paul. He's also a good problem solver and is excellent in his knowledge of especially technologies. We've made a few major projects together one of which was a hybrid dance theatre piece with Company Carpi, which I run with my wife the choreographer Bettina Carpi and which was performed at the Chester Music Festival and The Arts Centre Edge Hill to distinguished audiences. This show gave Paul a real challenge in that the music for the piece was performed live by just himself and another drummer (Tom Maude) and so had to carry considerable responsibility for the show's dynamic and presence, and was required to play many particularly testing percussive works that I'd conceived for the piece, many in very close collaboration with Paul and Tom. The show has been invited for further performances, I really look forward to working with Paul again on these and also on fresh challenges in the future.