While often referred to as the “Tony Williams of funk,” Mike Clark considers jazz his first love. He gained worldwide recognition as one of America’s foremost jazz and funk drummers while playing with Herbie Hancock in the early seventies. His incisive playing on Hancock’s Actual Proof garnered him an international cult following and influenced generations of drummers.
"He’s a great jazz drummer—and he hasn’t lost any of the stuff that he brought from Oakland. So now he’s totally free to do both, and he does. The solo he played on the album Thrust, on the song “Actual Proof,” is one of the best drum solos on any of my albums. So many people have remarked about that solo, saying, ‘Incredible." –Herbie Hancock
Embracing many of the jazz genres Mike is famous for, KOSEN RUFU is a masterpiece recording that ventures from straight ahead to funk and beyond. Released September 8th, 2023 via Wide Hive Records, the album features 10 new original compositions and an outstanding cover of Eric Dolphy’s composition “Hat and Beard,” KOSEN RUFU is an inspiring work made by an amazing ensemble.
Featuring legendary drummer Mike Clark with Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Henry ‘The Skipper’ Franklin on bass, Skerik on saxophone, Wayne Horvitz on piano and Rhodes, and fellow Headhunter Bill Summers on congas and percussion.
