Biography

Michael Mayo, a Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, songwriter, and arranger, uses his intuition to create music that combines jazz, neo-soul, and R&B. Mayo's second full-length LP, Fly, showcases his raw emotion and emotional depth, allowing him to create from the heart without filter or pretense. Mayo's background in music comes from his parents, who have worked with artists like Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston. Mayo attended the New England Conservatory of Music and the Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA, where he made waves with his single "No More" and his full-length debut, Bones. His album, Bones, earned critical acclaim and was praised by Jazzwise and JAZZIZ. Mayo relocated to L.A. in October 2023 and wrote most of Fly at home. In January 2024, he recorded Fly with pianist Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh, and drummer Nate Smith, resulting in a powerful and soulful album. Mayo's latest single, "Four," introduces the album with a lively arrangement of the original Miles Davis melody. 
Michael's music is a blend of new and surprising elements, with a focus on comfort and familiarity. He takes on classic jazz songs like "Just Friends" and "Fly," aiming to create a breezy energy and lightness. Michael also incorporates guitar in "Frenzy," a riff inspired by the pandemic, focusing on the imagery passing by and how it can shift. The a cappella "I Didn't Know What Time It Was" showcases Michael's range, balancing laidback verses with a stunning high register. The album concludes with a frenetic drum-fueled reimagining of Wayne Shorter's "Speak No Evil," a tribute to the legendary musician. Michael's voice weaves in and out of the beat, mirroring the dynamics of Nate Smith's drum groove. The album is a testament to Michael's love for music and the legacy of Wayne Shorter, who he worked with as an artist-in-residence.