Michael J. Reed

Innovative Jazz drummer extraordinaire, Michael J. Reed is a native of Toledo, OH, currently based in East Lansing, MI. Michael maintains an active career performing nationally and internationally with artists such as Rodney Whitaker, Patrice Rushen, Jazzmeia Horn, Carmen Lundy, Wycliffe Gordon, Dwight Adams, Michael Dease, Diego Rivera Tim Ries' Rolling Stones Project, Tanya Darby, Walter White, Rick Margitza, Steve Davis, Mark Whitfield, Melissa Aldana, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Sachal Vasandani, Damion Sneed, Karen Clark Sheard, Ramona Collins, and many others. Michael leads his own group performing regionally at Cliff Bell’s, Ohio Theatre, Toledo Museum of Art, former Degage Jazz Café, UrbanBeat, GRNoir Wine and Jazz, The Block, Lucille’s Jazz Lounge, and Blue LLama Jazz Club. 

With a sophomore CD  release, Remove All Fear, Michael is well on his way to becoming a stronghold in the music industry. His first album, entitled A Walk of Perspective, was released in 2018. Michael has recorded with Rodney Whitaker, Xavier Davis, Margherita Fava, Chloe and the Steel Strings, the Gazebo, and many others. 

After completing a master's degree at Michigan State University, Michael continues to expand his career as a mentor, performer, and educator, teaching at the Michigan State University Community Music School-Detroit’s Spartan Youth Jazz Program and Saginaw Valley State University as an adjunct professor, while maintaining a healthy touring schedule with Jazzmeia Horn.