Michael Mayo

Biography

Michael Mayo is a Los Angeles-born vocalist, composer, and arranger recognized for his innovative approach to vocal jazz, blending elements of neo-soul, R&B, and experimental music. Raised in a family deeply rooted in the music industry—his mother, Valerie Pinkston, sang with icons like Beyoncé and Diana Ross, while his father, Scott Mayo, played saxophone and worked with Earth, Wind & Fire—Mayo was immersed in professional musicianship from an early age. These formative experiences, including watching his parents perform backstage, instilled in him a profound understanding of musical artistry and performance[1][2][4][5].

Mayo honed his craft at the New England Conservatory of Music and became only the third vocalist ever accepted into the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz) at UCLA, where he was mentored by Herbie Hancock himself[3][7][9]. His debut album, 'Bones' (2021), received critical acclaim for its lush, multi-layered vocal arrangements and introspective songwriting, with Jazzwise praising his 'clear tenor' and innovative use of vocal harmonies. In 2024, he released his second album, 'Fly,' recorded in just two days with a stellar ensemble including Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh, and Nate Smith, further establishing his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist[1][2][5].

Mayo's musical style is characterized by advanced vocal techniques, live looping, and genre-defying improvisation, often drawing comparisons to Bobby McFerrin. He has toured internationally, headlined major jazz festivals, and collaborated with luminaries such as Herbie Hancock and Ben Wendel. Through his artistry, Mayo continues to redefine the possibilities of the human voice in contemporary jazz, inspiring a new generation of vocalists[3][5].

Fun Facts

• Michael Mayo was only the third vocalist ever accepted into the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, a program renowned for producing jazz greats[3][7].
• His debut album 'Bones' was described by Mayo as a personal letter to himself, reflecting his journey toward living authentically as a queer artist[3].
• Mayo’s mother, Valerie Pinkston, has sung with Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston, while his father, Scott Mayo, played saxophone for Earth, Wind & Fire[1][2][5].
• He recorded his 2024 album 'Fly' in just two days at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn with a world-class jazz trio[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Herbie Hancock - Mentor and teacher at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz (now Hancock Institute); Mayo was Hancock's featured vocalist on tour. (Touring South America as Hancock’s featured vocalist) [2010s]
• Bobby McFerrin - Stylistic influence; Mayo's use of voice as an instrument and live looping draws direct inspiration from McFerrin. (General influence on Mayo’s vocal improvisation and performance style) [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• Amber Navran - Co-writer and performer on the single 'No More' (Single: 'No More') [2018]
• Shai Maestro - Pianist on Mayo's album 'Fly' (Album: 'Fly') [2024]
• Linda May Han Oh - Bassist on 'Fly' (Album: 'Fly') [2024]
• Nate Smith - Drummer on 'Fly' (Album: 'Fly') [2024]
• Ben Wendel - Frequent live collaborator; Mayo regularly performs with this saxophonist. (Live performances) [2020s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Four (Fly)
2. Just Friends (Fly)
3. Bag of Bones (Fly)
4. Speak No Evil (Fly)
5. Fly (Fly)
6. VESPER
7. I Wish (Fly)
8. Silence (Fly)
9. I Didn't Know What Time It Was (Fly)
10. It Could Happen to You (Fly)

External Links

• Spotify