Michael Wimberly
Percussive Renaissance Man
Jazz percussionist and composer bridging free jazz, West African rhythms, and contemporary music with global collaborations.
About
Michael Wimberly is a jazz percussionist, composer, and educator born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He moved to New York in 1982 and became a cornerstone of the downtown avant-garde jazz scene, collaborating with figures like Charles Gayle and Steve Coleman. His work spans free jazz, world music, dance composition, and film scoring, with his debut album 'Afrofuturism' showcasing his polystylistic vision.
Music Style
Wimberly's approach blends the spiritual uplift of free jazz with West African rhythms and contemporary grooves. His music bridges improvisation with composed arrangements, drawing from funk, soul, Afrobeat, and traditional African music traditions.
Background
- Hometown
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Education
- Baldwin Wallace University, Manhattan School of Music
- Instruments
- drums, vibraphone, piano, keyboards, percussion
- Active
- 1982-present
Similar Artists
If you like Charles Gayle, Steve Coleman — you'll love this artist
Notable Collaborations
Upcoming Events
Michael Wimberly's next NYC show is Wednesday, July 22 at The Stone.