Carol Jarvis, a multi-award-winning trombonist and voiceover artist, shares her inspiring career touring with Sting, Michael Bolton, and Seal. She triumphs over a profound challenge of battling Hodgkin's lymphoma, discussing her coping mechanisms and reflecting on traumatic experiences. She also talks about her roles in the trombone community, recording a charity album, and the importance of proper breathing technique for trombone playing.
Carol Jarvis toured with Michael Bolton and Seal during her cancer treatment and received immense support from both artists.
Despite facing cancer treatment and side effects, Carol Jarvis continued her musical career, finding solace and escape in performing on stage.
Carol Jarvis participated in clinical trials for experimental drugs to combat her cancer, emphasizing the importance of such trials in cancer research.
Carol Jarvis gained a profound appreciation for life and a shifted perspective through her cancer journey, inspiring her to embrace new opportunities and projects.
Deep dives
Diagnosis and Treatment
In 2004, Carol Jarvis was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at a young age. She initially had no idea she was ill, but a lump in her neck and frequent colds led to medical investigations. After a needle biopsy and a camera examination, she received the news that she had lymphoma. Carol underwent six months of chemotherapy, experiencing side effects and hair loss. Despite the challenges, she continued performing with touring shows, finding solace and escape in music.
Support from Michael Bolton and Seal
During her cancer journey, Carol toured with Michael Bolton and Seal. Both artists provided immense support and understanding, accommodating her treatment schedule and offering emotional assistance. Carol shared how Michael Bolton showed concern for her well-being and even offered financial support for alternative treatments. Seal also showed unwavering support, ensuring she could continue touring with him while managing her treatments. Carol considers both artists as close friends and cherishes their kindness during such a challenging time.
Continuing Her Musical Career
Throughout her cancer treatment, Carol Jarvis persisted in her musical career. She played with various bands and touring shows, finding solace and energy on stage. Performing allowed her to escape her health struggles and feel normal for a few hours. Despite experiencing side effects and undergoing different treatments, Carol remained dedicated to her music, discovering that it gave her strength and normalcy amidst the challenges she faced.
Clinical Trials and Hope for the Future
Carol Jarvis participated in clinical trials for experimental drugs to combat her cancer. Despite facing setbacks and failed treatments, she persisted in seeking new options. Her oncologist directed her towards clinical trials that showed promise. While there were times when Carol couldn't work due to her treatment, she remained hopeful and determined to find effective solutions. She emphasizes the importance of clinical trials in cancer research and encourages others to consider participation for potential breakthroughs.
Carol's Cancer Journey and Triumph
Carol shares her incredible journey of battling cancer for seven years, undergoing various clinical trials and experimental treatments. She describes the side effects she experienced, including a severe rash and recounts the moment she was told she was in remission. Carol discusses the psychological challenges of learning to live again and finding a sense of identity after surviving cancer. Despite the hardships, she expresses gratitude for the perspective she gained and her newfound ability to live in the present.
Learning to Say Yes and the Importance of Breathing
Carol emphasizes the importance of saying yes and embracing new opportunities, citing her experiences arranging for Sting's horn section and playing keyboards. She also highlights the significance of proper breathing technique in trombone playing, noting the common oversight of many young trombonists in this area.
Appreciating Life's Gifts and Moving Forward
Carol reflects on the numerous gifts she has gained from her cancer journey, including a profound appreciation for life and a shifted perspective. She discusses her continuous projects, such as writing a new album and embracing the ever-present sense of creativity. Despite not having defined ambitions, Carol maintains a positive outlook and a keen enthusiasm for the future.
Opening our new season we are joined by English trombonist Carol Jarvis. A multi-award-winning trombonist, keyboard player, arranger, orchestrator, and voiceover artist, she blows us away by the scope of her career touring with the likes of Sting, Michael Bolton and Seal and triumphing over one of the most profound challenges we could ever imagine. We can't wait for you to hear this moving episode as we still have goosebumps thinking about it.
Learn more about the Trombone Retreat and upcoming festival here: linktr.ee/tromboneretreat Hosted by Sebastian Vera - @js.vera (insta) and Nick Schwartz - @basstrombone444 (insta)
Produced and edited by Sebastian Vera
Music: Firehorse: Mvt 1 - Trot by Steven Verhelst performed live by Brian Santero, Sebastian Vera and Nick Schwartz