Photo Credit: Gethin Taos
Saxophonist & Vocalist
Marqueal Jordan’s
time is now.
(pronounced Mar-KWELL’)
Saxophonist and Vocalist Marqueal Jordan’s desire is to be a musician and artist who not only learned the lessons of the legends who inspire him, but to also become an extension of those legends and build a legacy of music that would inspire generations to come. With three solo albums under his belt, along with an extensive resumé, Marqueal has built a solid foundation upon which to build that legacy.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, and attending high school in Kansas City, KS, Marqueal has been based in Chicago for 30 years after graduating from the University of Kansas. The experience he gained in the fertile and eclectic Chicago music scene prepared him to be an in-demand touring/session musician, bandleader, composer, horn arranger, and independent recording 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”.
Marqueal’s third solo album, All We Have Are Moments, released on his imprint October 23rd Music in April 2022, is his most focused and successful project to date. It was enthusiastically received by fans and radio alike. The lead single “Sistas” spent 20 weeks on Billboard Smooth Jazz Singles Chart, peaking at #3, and also landed at #5 on Billboard’s Year-End Smooth Jazz Airplay Songs Chart. His second single, “Dot Dot Dot (The Sequel)”, reached #8 on the Urban Influencer R&B/Soul Chart. Along with the third single “Mahogany”, Marqueal’s track record for releasing songs that resonates with music lovers is steadily growing.
Onstage, Marqueal is a multifaceted, electrifying and magnetic performer. He toured with Brian Culbertson for 11 years and forever changed the trajectory of Brian’s live show. In addition, Marqueal has shared the stage with some of the greats in music, performing with legends such as: Oleta Adams, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Regina Belle, Rick Braun, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Floetry, Larry Graham, Buddy Guy, Lalah Hathaway, The Isley Brothers, Joe, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Maysa, Frank McComb, Marcus Miller, Najee, Mike Phillips, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Isaiah Sharkey, Brian Simpson, Sinbad, Sy Smith, Tone Loc, and Kirk Whalum. He also performs in Chicago with the Midnight Sun Band, Brother John Kattke and DJ I.N.C.
“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 of Spur of the Moment Band
In addition to leading his own band, Marqueal has shared the stage with some of the greats in music, such as:
Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Rick Braun, 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, Marcus Miller, Eric Roberson, David Sanborn, Jill Scott and Kirk Whalum.