Los Angeles-born jazz vocalist, composer, and songwriter Michael Mayo has reached new artistic heights with his sophomore album Fly, earning his first Grammy nominations and cementing his place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary jazz.
Released in October 2024, Fly garnered two Grammy nominations: Best Jazz Vocal Album and Best Jazz Performance for the track "Four." The album has earned praise from critics for its floating production, expressive songwriting, and Mayo's expansive vocal range.
"I'm going to make the musical statements that feel the most natural," Mayo told NPR's All Things Considered about his stylistic choices on Fly.
The track "Four" is a reimagining of a Miles Davis tune from the 1950s that became a jazz standard. Mayo explained that while it's important to respect and learn traditional jazz music, merely copying it would go against the vision of the jazz greats who pushed the art form to new places.
Mayo's approach to innovation is rooted in authenticity rather than conscious modernization. By leading with his genuine artistic voice, he naturally finds fresh perspectives on classic forms.
Fly follows his critically acclaimed 2021 debut album Bones, which first put the vocalist on the national radar. Both albums showcase Mayo's jazz-influenced musical prowess while demonstrating his willingness to take artistic risks.
Mayo has built a devoted following through his live performances and has been featured in NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series, where he flexed his considerable talents to widespread acclaim.
The Grammy Awards ceremony takes place February 1, 2026, where Mayo will learn if his sophomore effort takes home the honors. Win or lose, his nominations represent a major achievement for the Los Angeles artist and signal a bright future for his boundary-pushing approach to jazz vocals.
For Mayo, the recognition validates his belief that staying true to oneself is the surest path to artistic innovation.