“while drummer Michael J. Reed’s thunderous solo imbues the ethereal piece with a visceral earthiness. ” – Hrayr Attarian
— All About Jazz, 2023
“He puts so much personality into what he does,” Bearden said. “It’s super cool to see. He was very creative with a lot of ways he did things. There was a very large variety and options and textures he used. He was very creative and energetic; it was almost humorous.” – Audrey Bergey
— The Valley Vanguard, 2022
“He has the stuff of a great drummer — the feel and knack for rhythm — and appears to have a bright future as a composer ahead of him, too.” – Tom Henry
— The Blade, 2021
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, Wycliffe Gordon, Dwight Adams, Michael Dease, 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.
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.