Michael Wimberly

Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Michael Wimberly set off for New York in 1982, quickly carving out a niche for himself. It was there he performed in duets, quartets and larger ensembles with unique or experimental instrumentation. For example, with Steve Coleman he collaborated on many projects, live and in the studio, including the creation of The Five Elements (including David Gilmore and Don Byron), in which radical conceptual pieces were refined for performance.

In addition to being a drummer and percussionist, Michael Wimberly is also a composer and has written for prestigious New York dance companies (Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Joffrey Ballet). Although his percussive repertoire is replete with traditional rhythms, Michael is known for playing cutting-edge music involving a meld of visuals and audio, not to mention a penchant for contemporary jazz.

Michael holds a Masters degree from The Manhattan School of Music and he is a member of The Collective (formerly Drummers’ Collective). He has performed/recorded with P-Funk, Steve Coleman, Mama Tongue, and Charles Gayle.

Watch Wimberly's online instructional videos:

< Back to the Toca Artists Main Menu