He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, studying jazz under Frank Gagliardi, during which time he performed in venues such as the Imperial Palace and the Tropicana.

Two years later on the personal recommendation of singer Joe Williams, Mackrel joined the Count Basie Orchestra where he would remain until December 1987.

Shortly before Lewis died in February 1990, he announced that he wanted Mackrel to take his place as the regular drummer for the band, which soon changed its name to the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra.

In September 2010, he returned to the Count Basie Orchestra after the retirement of trombonist Bill Hughes.

With Count Basie With Keter Betts With Carla Bley With Chris Connor With Michael Davis With Dizzy Gillespie Alumni All-Star Big Band With Hank Jones With Kluvers Big Band With Grover Mitchell With John Pizzarelli With Randy Sandke With Don Sebesky With George Shearing With others