I am so happy that this talented and silky-voiced jazz singer-songwriter is making his debut. Michael Mayo from Los Angeles, California has been performing on the jazz circuit for quite some time. I first heard his beautiful voice as the featured singer for the jazz group, Kneebody. Check out the song, What's My Name and you will understand why I love this singer's vocal delivery so much. I'm picky about jazz male singers but Michael Mayo just does it for me.
He grew up with music being played at home. Both of his parents are musicians who have sang and played with Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire, and more. It's no surprise that their son has followed in their footsteps. There are few singers or vocalists that have perfect pitch and phrasing like Michael Mayo. At only 26 years old he has performed with the best in not only the jazz world but also in Pop and R&B from artists such as Usher to Michael Jackson and has sung on movie soundtracks as well. He is one of three vocalists to have been accepted to the Thelonius Monk Institute( now the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) and he studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. Legendary jazz pianist, Herbie Hancock took him under his wing and has been his mentor. He has been based here in New York City for the past five years and is so enamored of our city and its sounds and fury. His music is a mix of music genres with jazz being the heavy influence and his vocal stylings remind me of acapella group, Take 6, and Naturally 7. He released his debut album, Bones this past June and we can't wait till he goes on tour. Be sure to check him out when he comes to your city, you won't regret it. Check out this super-talented singer-songwriter/arranger and support independent music and musicians. Happy listening!
You And You
