M. Jelani Brooks began playing music at a very young age. When he was 2 years old he began playing the drums; he later found his true musical calling, and love of playing the Saxophone. Michael started playing the Saxophone when he was 9 years old and still has the same passion for it as he did when he first picked up the Saxophone. Only after a few years of practicing, Michael began to perform around the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Michael has also received numerous outstanding soloist Jazz competitions awards. He was recognized as a member of the DC Festivals All-Star Jazz Ensemble 2004 and 2005. He performed in the all region Jazz band in Dallas, TX taking 1st chair Saxophone in 2005. His senior year in high school he was awarded the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award for most outstanding musician.
Michael was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where he now resides. His classification is sophomore. Michael recently participated in a recording for one of Berklee’s newest cd’s (Darfur Sudan) (2005).
Michael has had the opportunity to play with such greats as: Walter Beasley, Keith Anderson, Bobby Sparks, Lenny Stallworth, Roger Boykin, Dino Givoni, Shannon LeClaire, Marcus Miller, David Fiuczynski, and many more.
Michael also performed at The Greg Buckner Foundation 1st Annual Black Tie Gala in Denver, Colorado (2005).
M. Jelani Brooks currently or has played with: Walter Beasley, Dino Govoni, Shannon LeClaire, Ralph Peterson, Bill Pierce, David Fiucyzynski, Lenny Stallworth, George Russell, Jetro De Silva, Thom Brownlee Jr., Ken Roney, Keith Anderson, Bobby Sparks, Br!@n Harmon, Jeff Mitchell, Face, Joe Castillo, William, Jevon Jackson (Spiritual Attitude), Ramon Hearn, Marcus Miller, Jovol Bell, Black Sole, David Ginyard, Kirk Thurmond and many more
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