Michael Mayo leans on his intuition as a vocalist, composer, songwriter, and arranger. Much like molding and shaping a sculpture out of clay, he stretches his voice through layers of harmonizing, hard-hitting beatboxing, and heartfelt crooning.
“Mayo has an ingenuity and personality that could make him one of the most credible heirs to the throne of Bobby McFerrin.” — Jazzwise
Born and raised in Los Angeles, music quite literally surrounded him. As a sought-after background vocalist, Michael’s mom shined alongside Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston. Meanwhile, his dad not only sang, but also performed saxophone for Earth, Wind & Fire and horns for the likes of Sérgio Mendes. Among his most formative memories, Michael recalls “being backstage, watching Mom and Dad perform, and seeing them in their element.”
“Not since Gregory Porter have I been as excited about a new jazz singer.” — Jazz Weekly
Unlocking the power of his own voice, Michael attended the New England Conservatory of Music and The Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA. 2018 saw him make waves with the single “No More” [with Amber Navran]. Following his graduation, he unveiled his full-length debut, Bones, in 2021 and cumulatively generated millions of streams accelerated by tracks “The Way” and “You and You.” Earning critical acclaim, Jazzwise rated it “4-stars,” and JAZZIZ raved, “Michael Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals.”
“A flawless blend of alternative and neo-soul elements, a unique combination that defies genres.” — Paris Move
In October 2023, he relocated from Brooklyn back to L.A. Getting into a groove, he wrote the majority of what would become his second full-length album, FLY. During January 2024, he retreated to Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, recording the album for Mack Avenue Records in just two days with pianist Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh on upright and electric bass, and drummer extraordinaire Nate Smith. Michael delivered from the heart without filter or pretense, allowing his voice to transmit raw emotion above an ever-evolving backdrop of jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. Together, the musicians collectively harnessed their incredible chemistry during the sessions, giving the music gravity, muscle, and soul anchored by their performances. Ultimately, Michael trusted his gut and delivered a definitive body of work.
“Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals." — All•About•Jazz
Michael Mayo is an international performer whose highlights include singing at the White House, the Kennedy Center, and Renée Fleming’s American Voices Festival, as well as the Panama Jazz Festival. Most recently he has collaborated or toured with Herbie Hancock, Kneebody, Gretchen Parlato, Christian Sands, Josh Groban, Nate Smith, Ben Wendel, Becca Stevens, and Theo Bleckmann among many others. Michael has performed and recorded two EPs as a member of the Shrek-themed jazz/R&B band Shrek Is Love. And in 2019, he was featured in the NPR Tiny Desk Concert Series alongside fellow Los Angeles–based act Moonchild.
$35 General Admission | FREE for Music Students | 50% for Working Musicians | Info & Tickets at JazzCoterie.com
