Clarence Penn

Clarence Penn studied at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he had the opportunity to take courses taught by Ellis Marsalis and played in the pianist’s trio from 1987 to 1991, including a tour of Japan in 1990.

He graduated with a degree in classical percussion in 1991. He was part of singer Betty Carter’s trio from 1990 to 1993.

Subsequently, Penn has collaborated with the likes of David Sanchez, Jimmy Smith, Slide Hampton, Jimmy Scott, Greg Hatza, Stanley Clarke, Tim Warfield, Bob Berg, Diana Krall, Cyrus Chestnut, and Stephen Scott.

Clarence Penn in 1997, recorded his debut album, “Penn’s Landing,” for Criss Cross Jazz, which included songs composed by himself. Four years later he recorded his second album as a leader, “Play-Penn.”