(MPG) Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer and songwriter Michael Mayo has made his NPR Tiny Desk debut, which arrives on the heels of the release of Fly (Deluxe Edition).
The coda to his critically acclaimed 2024 album, Fly, is out now via Mack Avenue Music Group / Artistry Music. For his first appearance at NPR's Tiny Desk, Mayo performed highlights from his catalog including "You and You," "About Your Love" and Fly highlight "Bag of Bones." Watch it here
Named DownBeat Magazine's 2025 Rising Star Male Vocalist of the Year, Mayo highlights his remarkable vocal mastery with a bold exploration of jazz on his second studio album Fly. The deluxe edition features six new songs, including five stunning arrangements with the Norrbotten Big Band, conducted by Calle Rasmusson, plus his innovative take on the John Coltrane staple "Giant Steps," which has quickly become a fan favorite on the road.
Upon its release, Fly garnered widespread praise from press including NPR Music, Jazzwise and PopMatters who raved about Mayo's "stunning voice and unique approach that blends tradition and his own material into one hypnotic sound." Joined by Shai Maestro, Linda May Han Oh, Nate Smith, Scott Mayo and Valerie Pinkston, this deeply personal statement has won over audiences worldwide. The end result includes standouts like "Four," a lively jazz arrangement that nods to Miles Davis, and the shimmering original "Bag of Bones." Mayo's take on "Four" received social media co-signs from acclaimed artists including India.Arie, Israel Houghton, Siedah Garrett, Kirk Whalum and more.
Fly is the follow-up to Mayo's 2021 breakthrough full-length debut Bones, which racked up millions of streams and had JAZZIZ Magazine declaring, "Michael Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound." The following year, he earned the German Jazz Prize Award for International Artist of the Year as he continued to cultivate a dedicated following across the globe.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, music surrounded Mayo during his upbringing by powerhouse musician parents. Unlocking the power of his own voice, Mayo eventually attended the New England Conservatory of Music and The Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA (now the Hancock Institute of Jazz).
Now with the deluxe edition of Fly, Mayo has expanded even further on this definitive body of work. Starting on September 10, he will be touring the U.S. with stops in Orlando, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and more, before making his way overseas for a European leg in Germany, Poland and Spain, among others.
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