Juno-nominated multi-percussionist, drummer and composer Larry Graves has dedicated himself to innovation, exploring rhythm-based performance traditions from around the world through research, creation and teaching. After studying performance and composition at the Berklee College of Music, he was charmed by the deep sounds and wondrous poly-rhythms of West Africa, and that led him on several journeys to Ghana, Burkina Faso and Senegal to further explore music, dance and language.
Larry’s musical projects have received support from the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts and he was nominated for a Juno Award in 2007 for his work with the Toronto-based Worldbeat ensemble, Mr. Something Something.
Larry performs with and leads his ensembles, DRUMHAND and Surefire Sweat, as a sideman with various Toronto groups such as The Urban Highlanders and Autorickshaw, teaches drum set and percussion at York University, and creates music for various contemporary dance organizations in Toronto.