Having worked alongside Herbie Hancock, young vocalist and composer Michael Mayo has stepped out of the shadow of the maestro.
Like the American singer Bobby McFerrin, one of Mayo’s major influences, Michael Mayo uses his voice as an instrument—often in unexpected, intriguing, and genre-defying ways. Mayo explores advanced vocal techniques and is unafraid to incorporate loop pedals, layering sounds and textures in a manner reminiscent of instrumentalists before him.
Born into Los Angeles’ studio musician circles, with saxophonist and flutist Scott Mayo as his father and vocalist Valerie Pinkston as his mother, Mayo’s music is firmly centered around the voice.
In 2024, Mayo released his latest album, Fly, featuring personal interpretations of classics like Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” and songbook standards such as “It Could Happen to You.” That same year, he also appeared with the Norrbotten Big Band. Joakim Milder, the band’s musical director, had this to say about the young West Coast vocalist:
“Michael Mayo creates contemporary, deeply compelling jazz with the voice at its core. An unlimited instrumentalist.”
Now, this warm-voiced 32-year-old vocal virtuoso comes to Fasching with his own trio.
Michael Mayo – vocals
Andrew Freedman – piano
Kyle Miles – bass
Robin Baytas – drums
