Chayz Lounge on Meeting Street has a long tradition of bringing in top national jazz talent for their weekly shows, and this weekend is no exception. This Friday and Saturday night, July 19 and 20, saxophonist Marqueal Jordan offers up a show called “A Night Of Rhythmic Grooves.”

Jordan’s show combines hits and classics by Mos Def, Michael Franks, The Crusaders, Roy Ayers, Prince, Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane and more, but he’ll also be playing his own smooth jazz and soul hit singles like “If You Only Knew” and “The Edge,” both of which hit the Top 20 on “Billboard” magazine’s Smooth Jazz Chart.  

A Los Angeles native who spent his teen years in Kansas City, Kan., Jordan has been based in Chicago since 1995. Somewhat unusually, Jordan moved to Chicago to pursue jazz after earning a business administration degree at the University of Kansas, not exactly the typical path for a musician.  

Jordan began paying dues by playing gigs around Chicago in every musical style imaginable, earning a reputation as a seasoned and magnetic performer. He started out as the front man for the critically acclaimed local original band, Fat Time, and a member of the spin-off band, Starcandy. By the early 2000’s, he was highly in demand as a sideman with the top musicians and bands in the city.

In 2008, Jordan met smooth jazz star Brian Culbertson. Impressed by his playing and singing, Culbertson offered Jordan a spot in his touring band. Over the next 10 years, Jordan traveled the world with Brian, appeared on two live DVDs, and was featured on four albums.  

That exposure gave him the confidence and desire to become a solo artist, which Jordan did in 2013 with his debut album, “Catalyst,” home of the two Top 20 jazz singles we mentioned earlier. Jordan’s most recent album, 2022’s “All We Have Are Moments,” mixes straight ahead R&B and hip-hop elements into his soul-jazz template.  

In addition to his own work, Jordan has collaborated with just about every important modern jazz star there is. He’s worked with The Isley Brothers, Gerald Albright, Patti Austin, Peabo Bryson, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, George Duke, Candy Dulfer, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy, Al Jarreau, KRS-One, Kenny Lattimore, Marcus Miller, Najee, David Sanborn, Jill Scott, Sy Smith and Kirk Whalum, and that’s not even the full list.  

Given that background, it’s no surprise that onstage, Jordan can pivot from be-bop to hip-hop without breaking a sweat, and his two shows at Chayz Lounge this weekend should be packed with soulful vibes and joyful noise.