Not since Gregory Porter have I been as excited about a new jazz singer. This guy Michael Mayo has a rich and supple voice, hinting at Stevie Wonder, but with a jazz flexibility akin to Al Jarreau that is a pure joy. He’s teamed with Shai Maestro/p-key, Sinda May Han Oh/b, Nate Smith/dr-perc and Scott Mayo/ss-as along with some background singers and mixes originals with standards like a master chef.
Of the former, he’s upbeat and earnest on his own post bopping “Bag of Bones” while getting dark with Maestro on a clear “I Wish”. His effortless range around the percussion on “Silence” is a thrill, while he gets into a nice soul groove with vocalists Mayo and Valeri Pinston on “Fly”. A funky read of John Klemmer’s “Just Friends” is a delight, while Mayo sizzles over the drums o Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” and gives a Take Six feel to Miles Davis’ “Four”. When is he hitting So Cal? I am IN LINE!!!