LA Based vocalist Michael Mayo stretches his voice through layers of heavenly harmonizing, hard-hitting beatboxing, and heartfelt crooning to transmit raw emotion above an ever-evolving backdrop of jazz, neo-soul, and R&B.

2 sets at the Hamilton Studio listening room will provide an intimate setting for this incredible show.

More about the artist:

Born and raised in Los Angeles, music quite literally surrounded him. As a sought-after background vocalist, mom shined alongside Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, and Whitney Houston. Meanwhile, dad not only sang, but also performed saxophone for Earth, Wind & Fire and horns for the likes of Sérgio Mendes. Among his most formative memories, Michael recalls “being backstage, watching Mom and Dad perform, and seeing them in their element.”

Unlocking the power of his voice, he eventually attended the New England Conservatory of Music and at The Thelonious Monk Institute at UCLA (now the Hancock Institute of Jazz). 2018 saw him make waves with the single “No More” [with Amber Navran]. Following his graduation, he unveiled his full-length debut, Bones, in 2021 and cumulatively generated millions of streams accelerated by “The Way” and “You and You.” Earning critical acclaim, Jazzwise rated it “4-stars,” and JAZZIZ raved, “Michael Mayo has developed his own lush, neo-soul sound that adroitly showcases his clear tenor, which glides over luxuriant clouds of his multi-tracked vocals.” He captivated audiences worldwide, headlining his own gigs and touring with the likes of Herbie Hancock. Not to mention, he even garnered the German Jazz Pride award.

In October 2023, he relocated from Brooklyn back to L.A. Getting into a groove, he wrote the majority of what would become FLY at home. During January 2024, he retreated to Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, recording the album in just two days with pianist Shai Maestro as well as Linda May Han Oh on upright and electric bass, and in-demand drummer extraordinaire Nate Smith. Together, the musicians collectively harnessed their incredible chemistry during the sessions, giving the music gravity, muscle, and soul anchored by their performances.

Imagine Jazz is a local non-profit that celebrates jazz heritage with concerts, workshops and festivals. Founded in 2018 by Rachel Bade-McMurphy this organization has presented 27 of guest artist, featuring 97 artists in addition to dozens of and local features and workshops and jam sessions.