Biography
The Chicago born native became interested in music at the early age of eight when his mom gave him a guitar for Christmas. At the age of 15 he began studying music and woodwinds under Louis Gray, high school band director (Crane HS). . His first performance was playing at high school graduation, and he says he was greatly influenced by Grover Washington Jr.,The Crusaders, Earth,Wind & Fire and Stevie Wonder. He moved to the Caribbean where he continued to pursue his musical career. He studied privately in St. Croix with jazz woodwinds player James (Jimmy) Hamilton, a 27 year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Mekiel says, "I use to watch Hamilton perform from the back of the club where I worked. Then we became friends and he taught me the "Art of Reservation," and how to enhance my playing style." Mekiel explained. He also studied with Benny Jacob El (a graduate of Juilliard School of Music) and while living in St. Croix he learned calypso, reggae, Latin and other Caribbean rhythms. After several years of touring and playing with several theatrical/dance companies in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Mekiel returned to the United States and now resides in Los Angeles, CA. 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, Ronnie Laws,The Jazz Crusader, Les Mc Canns, Marcus Miller ,Chaka Khan, Gino Vanelli, Dr. John, Tyrone Davis, Etta James, Phil Perry, George Clinton and the P-Funk All Stars, Ronnie Laws and a host of others. He worked with local backup bands for years at Los Angeles biggest reggae festival "Bob Marley Day" with artists such as Marcia Griffith, The Itals, Johnny Clark, Uroy, Eek-A-Muse and Ras Michael and the sons of Niegus and many more. While a member of Ras Michael and the sons of Niegus (5 years) they recorded an album entitled, "Know Now," on Shanachie Records.
In 2002 Mekiel began working as a sideman with the legendary"Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm" and toured Europe and North America as performer in several Blues and Jazz festivals. He participated in the North Seas Jazz fest, Netherlands, Ajaccio Blues fest, Corsica, Pori Jazz fest, Finland, Nice Jazz fest, Cognac Blues Passion, France, San Diego Blues fest, Long Beach Blues fest, California, USA, Edmonton Blues fest. Canada and Montreux jazz fest.,Switzerland, where they recorded the album, Live at Montreux " The Resurrection of Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm,"on the French label Isabel Records - Blues Power series (M Williams-tenor sax)
Mekiel was one of the finalist to received an award from the 2006 Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival for TOP MUSIC ARTIST out of over 400 entries. Check out Mekiel in the abyssjazz (smooth jazz) magazine 2007 March and April issue for "Break out Artist" (www.abyssjazz.com) http://www.abyssjazz.com/ajm/breakout/breakout_mreuben.asp
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