The Chicago born native; Mekiel 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, the band director at Richard T. Crane High School, Chicago. His first performance was at the high school graduation. At this time he says he was being greatly influenced by Grover Washington Jr., Stevie Wonder, Chicago, The Crusaders, and Earth, Wind & Fire. At the age of 18 he moved to the Caribbean (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) where he continued to pursue his musical career.

 

He studied privately with jazz woodwinds player James (Jimmy) Hamilton, a 27-year veteran of the Duke Ellington Orchestra. He moved to Los Angeles and continued his music studies with the legendary saxophonist Bill Greene (improvisation lessons). He also studied music and marketing at Los Angeles City College and West Los Angeles City College Mekiel worked with icon reggae artist Eek-A-Mouse U.S. west coast touring band and participated in numerous gigs and festivals across the U.S. west coast including the 2002 USA Winter Olympic festival, Salt Lake City, Utah with Gregory Isaac. Mekiel toured and recorded with the legendary "Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm" he toured Europe, North America and Canada. Mekiel had the opportunity to play with Legendary Blues Icon Pinetop Perkin who sat in with Ike Turner at The Kings Biscuit Blues Festival 2002, Helena Ark.

 

He was awarded TOP MUSIC ARTIST at 2006 Temecula Valley International Film and Music Festival. For over two decades Mekiel has dedicated his time and shared his musical talent and brought great joy to disabled students at the Benjamin Banneker Special Education Center in Los Angeles CA. Mekiel now resides in St Croix, US Virgin Islands where he performs and continue to produce music for the world. So, keep your eyes open and ears tuned for this musician, producer, recording artist, Mekiel Reuben, to be the next rising Smooth jazz artist. You can find Mekiel Reuben on Spotify, Amazon, Soundcloud, iTunes, Apple-music, YouTube and other digital platforms.

 

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