Gerald Cleaver

Who is Gerald Cleaver?

Gerald Cleaver is an African-American jazz drummer from Detroit, Michigan. He joined the jazz faculty at the University of Michigan in 1995. He has performed or recorded with Joe Morris, Mat Maneri, Roscoe Mitchell, Miroslav Vitous, Yaron Herman, Ralph Alessi, Franck Amsallem, David Torn, Mario Pavone and others.

Under the name Veil of Names, Gerald Cleaver released an album called Adjust on the Fresh Sounds New Talent label in 2001. It featured Mat Maneri, Ben Monder, Andrew Bishop, Craig Taborn and Reid Anderson and was a Best Debut Recording Nominee by the Jazz Journalists Association.

He currently leads the groups Uncle June, Black Host, Violet Hour and NiMbNl as well as working as a sideman with many different artists.