MARQUEAL JORDAN
Equally versed as a Saxophonist and Vocalist, Marqueal (pronounced Mar-KWELL) Jordan’s talents are as diverse as his geographical upbringing. Born and raised in Los Angeles, attending high school and college respectively in Kansas City, KS and Lawrence, KS, Marqueal has been based in Chicago for over 25 years. The experience gained in the Chicago music scene prepared him to be an electric and compelling live performer, bandleader, composer, horn arranger, in-demand touring/session musician, and an independent recording artist.
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, and it established 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 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”.
All We Have Are Moments, Marqueal's third album released on April 1, 2022, is his breakthrough project and best album to date. The lead single "Sistas", which features Culbertson, reached #3 on Billboard and also landed at #1 on Mediabase's Smooth AC Chart. “I want to be the best, most honest version of myself as my career develops, and make my musical heroes proud.”
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 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 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
JM CHICAGO COMMUNITY MUSIC ARCHIVE GREAT BLACK MUSIC PROJECT
