Hamir Atwal. San Francisco-based drummer and teacher draws from a variety of musical styles. Atwal studied at the Berklee College of Music, where he immersed himself in jazz, improvisation, and discovered ways to adapt his drumming to various genres. Critics describe Hamir Atwal style as “fresh and conscientious,” and he is known for giving any music he plays a unique touch and sensitivity.
Atwal recently wrapped a year-long, international tour with the band Tune-Yards, featuring Merrill Garbus (vocals) and Nate Brenner (bass), in support of their album I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private Life (January 2018, 4AD). Atwal has worked with notable jazz artists including saxophonist Greg Osby, saxophonist Joe Lovano, pianist Myra Melford, clarinetist Ben Goldberg, and bassist Michael Formanek, to name a few. He is also the percussionist for Invisible Guy Trio, featuring clarinetist Ben Goldberg and pianist Michael Coleman. The trio released their first album, Knuckle Sandwich (BAG Production) in 2016 to positive reviews from outlets including the Chicago Reader.
Atwal is an active educator and has given clinics/classes at notable music schools including the California Institute of the Arts, Peabody Conservatory, Music Academy International, the Stanford Jazz Workshop, and Jazz Camp West. He is a faculty member at the California Summer School of the Arts, where he teaches annually in Valencia, CA. Atwal is based in the Bay Area, a staple of the local jazz community, and plays internationally in collaboration with other musicians.
