Mokarzel Music

They would see the Mokarzel Family Band, a multi-generational family ensemble delivering soulful performances blending Latin Jazz, classic Jazz, salsa and Afro Cuban rhythms, and timeless R&B. Picture father and sons (Mateo on sax and vocals, Jacob on bass and vocals, Jon on drums, Jasmine on vocals) joined by pianist Cesar Tello and his wife, vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Miriam Tello creating tight grooves, infectious Latin percussion, swinging jazz solos and vocals, along with rich harmonies. Audiences enjoy dynamic sets with crowd-pleasing favorites in English and Spanish. Our stage presence is warm, interactive, professional, and family-friendly; perfect for festivals, clubs, or any celebration.

While our regular ensemble features 6-7 musicians, we also offer a smaller 4 member band for smaller events.

The Mokarzel Family Band is led by Musician and professor, Mateo Mokarzel. A saxophonist and singer, Mateo played throughout Houston in his formulative years. Playing jazz around town, Mateo also worked with some of the top R&B and Soul bands in town before venturing into Latin and salsa genres. As a historian and ethnomusicologist, Prof Mo (as his students call him) loves arranging his own music and has a special interest in Afro-Cuban music and world music and the roots of Western music. Mateo's oldest son, Jon is a drummer and percussionist and music education and jazz major graduate of Sam Houston State. Our bassist and vocalist Jacob is a music therapy and vocal major in college and the youngest daughter Jasmine, also contributes to vocals. The Mokarzel Family Band also incorporates Cesar and Miriam Tello, both music graduates of University of St. Thomas. Cesar is a noted jazz and classical pianist in his own right, while his wife Miriam is a powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist playing everything from bass to drums and percussion. Mokarzel Music also contracts some of the top musicians in Texas, depending on the needs of our clients and the gig.