Mike Clark

Mike Clark

Funk Jazz Pioneer

A foundational figure in funk and jazz drumming, Mike Clark is renowned for his innovative rhythms and influential work with Herbie Hancock's The Headhunters.

jazz-funkfusionpost-bopgroove jazz

About

Mike Clark is an American jazz drummer known for his groundbreaking contributions to funk and jazz fusion, particularly through his drumming with Herbie Hancock and The Headhunters. His unique rhythmic approach and powerful grooves have made him a highly respected and influential musician for decades.

Music Style

Clark's style is characterized by its powerful, driving funk grooves infused with complex jazz polyrhythms and syncopation. He is known for his signature ghost notes, intricate cymbal work, and ability to seamlessly shift between hard-hitting beats and delicate textures, shaping the sound of jazz-funk drumming.

Background

Hometown
Oakland, California
Instruments
drums
Active
1970s-present

Similar Artists

If you like the rhythmic innovation of Tony Williams, the funk precision of Harvey Mason, and the fusion energy of Billy Cobham — you'll love Mike Clark's dynamic drumming.

Tony Williams
Both are highly influential drummers known for innovative rhythmic concepts and pushing boundaries in jazz and fusion.
90%
Harvey Mason
Mason also played with Headhunters and is a master of jazz-funk and fusion drumming, sharing a similar stylistic landscape.
85%
Billy Cobham
Known for his powerful, virtuosic approach to fusion drumming and significant contributions to the genre's rhythmic vocabulary.
85%

Notable Collaborations

Herbie Hancock (Headhunters)Wayne ShorterJoe HendersonEddie HendersonChet BakerVince GuaraldiChristian McBrideBobby HutchersonTony Bennett
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