Michael Mayo

Vocalist Michael Mayo distinguishes himself through an intricate fusion of modern jazz, gospel, and contemporary R&B. After completing his MFA at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, he has appeared alongside Herbie Hancock, Kneebody, Christian Sands, and additional collaborators. His first album, Bones, produced by Eli Wolf, arrived in 2020 via Mack Avenue.

Born in Los Angeles, Mayo was raised amid artistic surroundings by a mother who sang and a father who played saxophone and multiple other instruments. Early immersion came through hearing his parents share stages with figures such as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Luther Vandross. He started vocalizing in childhood and later became the third singer admitted to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, where his mentors included Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Dianne Reeves. In tandem with receiving his MFA, Mayo has joined forces with Kneebody, Christian Sands, Josh Groban, Becca Stevens, and numerous further artists. Leading his own ensemble has earned him notable praise at the Atlanta Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, and the 2019 Playboy Jazz Festival. The same year his debut surfaced, Mayo issued the Eli Wolf-produced Bones on Mack Avenue.