Marqueal Jordan & The Players @ Copper Still

MARQUEAL JORDAN BIO

Saxophonist & Vocalist Marqueal (pronounced Mar-KWELL) Jordan’s time is now.

A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been based in the music-rich city of Chicago since 1995. Moving to the Windy City after earning a Business Administration degree at the University of Kansas, Marqueal began paying dues by playing gigs in every musical style imaginable. In those early years, he earned his reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer. Marqueal was the front man for the critically acclaimed local original band, Fat Time, and a member of the spin-off band, Starcandy. By the early 2000’s, he was highly in demand to perform with the top musicians and bands in the city.

In 2008, Marqueal met Smooth Jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Brian offered Marqueal a spot in his touring band. Over the next 10 years, Marqueal traveled the world with Brian, appeared in two DVDs, and was featured on four albums. The exposure gave him the confidence and desire to become a solo artist.

Marqueal’s solo debut album, Catalyst, was released in October 2013. It helped to establish him as an emerging artist in Smooth & Contemporary Jazz. After leaving Brian Culbertson’s band in the summer of 2018 to focus on his solo career, he recorded his second project, Intention & Purpose. Released in February 2019, the album is a musical journey through Contemporary Jazz, Soul/R&B and Hip Hop, and it showcases his growing skills as a songwriter, arranger and producer. The album yielded two Top 20 hits on the Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles Chart, “If You Only Knew” and “The Edge”. Marqueal’s third solo album, All We Have Are Moments, is scheduled to drop in

December 2021. The lead single for that album, “Last Call”, was released March 12, 2021 and has been well received by Smooth Jazz Radio.

In addition to leading and touring with his own band, Marqueal has shared the stage with some of the greats in music, performing with legends such as: Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Floetry, Aretha Franklin, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, The Isley Brothers, Al Jarreau, Joe, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Frank McComb, Marcus Miller, Najee, Mike Phillips, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Isaiah Sharkey, Sy Smith, and Kirk Whalum. He still performs locally with Brother John Kattke, and with Midnight Sun Band. Marqueal also collaborates with Chicago-based artist/producer DJ I.N.C., and is featured on numerous projects of I.N.C.’s over the last 20 years.

Marqueal was proud to be recognized by the Chicago Defender as a Man Of Excellence in 2014. Father, mentor and friend to many, Marqueal Jordan is a humble man who is focused on achieving greatness through his music and his deeds.

“Marqueal Jordan is one of the few people who have the ability to play like Coltrane and sing like Marvin. His live performances transcend genres. He’s a true dual threat. So much energy and fun in a Marqueal Jordan show. A few people have carried those initials; he definitely lives up to the legacy of them himself. MJ is the man.” – Wayne Bruce, Founder/Lead Guitarist – Spur of the Moment Band