Michael Mayo, a prodigy from Los Angeles, fuses jazz, neo-soul, and R&B with innovative vocal techniques, drawing inspiration from musical giants like Bobby McFerrin and Stevie Wonder. With critically acclaimed albums like "Bones" and "Fly," he captivates audiences worldwide, showcasing his extraordinary talent and dynamic performances.
Born into a musical family in Los Angeles, California, on June 1, 1992, Michael Mayo was destined for a career in music. Raised in the Van Nuys neighborhood, Mayo was surrounded by melodies from an early age. His father, Scott Mayo, was a renowned saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, while his mother, Valerie Pinkston, was a singer who graced stages with legends like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. This rich musical environment fostered Mayo’s natural talent and passion for the art, often finding himself backstage, absorbing the symphonic world his parents navigated.
Michael Mayo honed his craft through a fine arts education, attending the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. He secured a bachelor’s degree in jazz vocal performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. In a testament to his exceptional skills, Mayo became just the third vocalist admitted to the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, now known as the Herbie Hancock Institute, at UCLA. Here, he had the privilege of studying under the guidance of jazz heavyweights including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Dianne Reeves.
Michael Mayo views his voice not just as a vocal instrument but akin to a saxophone, inspired partly by Bobby McFerrin. His sound is a confluence of jazz, neo-soul, R&B, and alternative music, characterized by complex vocal harmonies and innovative techniques such as beatboxing and looping. Influences from music giants like Brian Wilson and Stevie Wonder profoundly shape his distinctive style.
Michael Mayo released his debut album, "Bones," in 2021 with Mack Avenue Records, followed by his 2024 album, "Fly." Over the course of his career, he has performed and toured with illustrious artists such as Herbie Hancock, Kneebody, and Jacob Collier. Mayo has also graced iconic venues including the White House and the Kennedy Center, testament to his growing stature in the jazz world. He was honored with the German Jazz Pride Award, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Michael Mayo’s discography reflects his rich musical journey and innovation:- Albums: - "Bones" (2021) - "Fly" (2024)
In a recent chapter of his life, Mayo returned to Los Angeles from New York in 2023. The album "Fly" was impressively recorded in just two days in Brooklyn, featuring an all-star band. Mayo continues to expand his reach by performing internationally, consistently delighting audiences with his dynamic and emotive vocal performances.
Michael Mayo remains a compelling figure in contemporary jazz, seamlessly blending traditional and modern musical influences. His innovative techniques and collaboration with celebrated musicians underscore his growing influence and promise an exciting future in his musical journey.
