Michael Mayo Takes Flight: Jazz, Soul, and the Art of Letting Go

The Sharp Notes with Evan Toth

Some artists walk, some artists run—but Michael Mayo flies. His latest album, Fly, isn’t just a title—it’s a philosophy. It’s about soaring past self-doubt, catching the updraft of creativity, and trusting that the music will take you exactly where you need to go. Raised in the rarefied air of music professionality—his mother has served as a powerhouse vocalist for Luther Vandross and Beyoncé, and his father is a multi-instrumentalist who was at one time Sérgio Mendes’ musical director—Mayo grew up with his feet barely touching the ground, swept up in a world of sound that would shape his own journey.

Now, with Fly, he’s reached his own altitude. The album was created at lightning speed—written, recorded, and pressed in what felt like the blink of an eye—and it captures the exhilaration of letting go and allowing the music to take to the sky. In this conversation, Mayo shares how he assembled an all-star crew to navigate this sonic adventure. He talks about the freedom of composing, the discipline of performing, and the lessons he learned from legends like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

But just as important as the music itself is the journey—the travel, the late nights, the rigor required to sustain a career in jazz. Mayo opens up about life on the road, the reality of touring as a vocalist, and the balance between artistic freedom and the demands of performance. With wisdom passed down from both his parents and his mentors, he shares how he’s learned to protect his instrument—his voice—while still embracing the thrill of the ride.

So fasten your seatbelts and get ready for takeoff—because Michael Mayo is here, and you’re invited to join him in the friendly skies.