Playing drums from childhood, Paul Lytton became known as a key figure in the free jazz movement in London and Europe. He was a founder member of the London Musicians Cooperative and played and recorded with leading figures in improvised music including Joe McPhee, Paul Lovens, Evan Parker, Alex Von Schlippenbach, Keith Tippett, Ken Vandermark, and Phil Wachsmann. With Parker, he has recorded often for Emanem and ECM Records. A fluent soloist and inspired accompanist, Lytton considerably extended the role of the drummer, and was quick to embrace the use of electronics in percussion.