Paul Motian

Stephen Paul Motian, born in Providence, Rhode Island on 25 March 1931, is an American jazz drummer, percussionist and composer of Armenian extraction. He is one of the most influential modern drummers, having played an important role in f

Stephen Paul Motian, born in Providence, Rhode Island on 25 March 1931, is an American jazz drummer, percussionist and composer of Armenian extraction. He is one of the most influential modern drummers, having played an important role in freeing the drummer from strict time-keeping duties. His surname is Armenian, pronounced "Moe-tee-un," but is usually mispronounced like "motion".

Motian has been a professional musician since 1954, but he became well known as the drummer in pianist Bill Evans's trio (1959-64). Subsequently he played with pianists Paul Bley (1963-4) and Keith Jarrett (1967-76).