A funky smooth jazz sound with influence from U.S. and Caribbean music

10 MP3 Songs in this album (46:52) !
Related styles: JAZZ: Smooth Jazz, REGGAE: Calypso

People who are interested in Stanley Turrentine John Klemmer Grover should consider this download.


Details:
Mekiel B. Reuben
Musician/ Composer/ Producer

Mekiel's explosive saxophone style has been compared to the likes of Groover Washington Jr., Stanley Turrentine and John Klemmer. This Chicago born native, began studying music and woodwinds at the age of 15 in Chicago, under Louis Gray, high school band director (Crane HS). After several years with Gray, he moved to the Caribbean (St.Croix, U.S.Virgin Islands) where he continued to pursue his musical career. While living in the Caribbean he learned calypso, reggae, Latin, and other Caribbean rhythms. Mekiel studied privately in St.Croix with jazz woodwindist James (Jimmy) Hamilton, a 27 year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Hamilton taught him the "Art of Reservation", and how to enhance his playing style. He also studied jazz in St.Croix with Benny Jacob El (a graduate of Juilliard School of Music). After years of living, playing and touring with several theatrical / dance companies in the U.S.Virgin Islands, Mekiel returned to the United States and now resides in Los Angeles.

Keeping his eyes on the prize to become a recording artist he continued his music studies with legendary saxophonist Bill Greene (improvisation lessens). He also studied music and marketing at Los Angeles city college and West Los Angeles city college. With over a hundred compositions under his belt Mekiel started his own label, MekMuse Records. He now has several releases to his credit: (1994) "Miles Away" (a dedication to Miles Davis), (1996), "Simply Peaceful", (2000) "Shadows of love" and his latest release (2005) "Hangin in the Moonlight". This album"Hangin in the Moonlight". reflect the smooth jazz sound side of Mekiel with a splash of Caribbean flavor. When you listen to his music, it glide you on a journey from his United States jazz roots to his fruitful life in the Caribbean.

DJ Barbara Barabino of FOX 93.5 FM,(Los Angeles,1990) described his music, single-(Reggae on Pacific Coast Highway) as " a delicious crossover style " that could be enjoyed by music enthusiasts of reggae, rhythm & blues, world beat and contemporary Jazz . DJ John London and the morning house party Crew of 92.3 FM the Beat (Los Angeles, 1994) gave Mekiel the" Big UP " for his release "Miles Away "a dedication to Miles Davis, on the Five Minutes of Fame interview. On the Internet Paula Edelstein writer for All Media Guide.com (AMG) (1998) described the CD Simply Peaceful as a perfect segue into sweet music and sweet dreams along a soothing poetic cruise..

Mekiel has shared stages with so many musicians on festivals and concert venues throughout North America (United States and Canada) and Europe featuring acts such as Bunny Wailer, Ziggy Marley, Maxi Priest, Third World, Steel Pulse, Inner Circle , Burning Spear, UB 40, Lenny Williams, Barbara Morrison, The Jazz Crusader, Les Mc Canns, Marcus Miller ,Chaka Khan, Geno Vanelli, Dr. John, Tyrone Davis, Etta James, Phil Perry, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Mack Johnson and a host of others.

He worked with local backup bands for years at Los Angeles biggest reggae festival the Bob Marley Day. Working with acts such as Marcia Griffith,The Itals, Johnny Clark, Uroy, Eek-A-Mouse and Ras Michael and the sons of Niegus and many many more. Whiles a member of Ras Michael and the sons of Niegus (5 year ) they recorded the "Know Now" album on Shanachie Records. In 2002 Mekiel became a member of Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm and toured most of the major European and North American Blues and Jazz festivals that year..Venues included; North Seas Jazz fest., Netherlands, Ajaccio Blues fest.,Corsica, Pori Jazz fest., Finland, Nice Jazz fest, Cognac Blues passion, France, King Biscut Blues fest, Helena, Arkansas, Portland Blues fest., Oregon, San Diego Blues fest, Long Beach Blues fest, California,USA, Edmonton Blues fest. Canada and Montreux Jazz fest., Switzerland where they recorded LIVE in Montreux - the Resurrection of Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm album on the French label Blues Power.

Mekiel has given his time for over a decade by volunteering his talents at the LAUSD, Benjamin Banneker Special Education Center, Los Angeles, CA. He has brought much joy to disabled students with music-. You can check out Mekiel, he plays regularly on the Jazz or Reggae Circuit, so keep your eyes open and ears tuned to catch this rising star.

e-mail mekiel.reuben@usa.net
For info & Bookings contact:
Ida Carter
818-766-8440 office
818-258-9439 cell
MekMuse Records
P.O.BOX 62246
Los Angeles 90062-0246

Request Mekiel 's Album on local area smooth jazz Radio Stations:
Miles Away
Simply Peaceful
Shaadows of love