Michael Mayo on ‘Fly’ album, artistic course of & jazz music : NPR

With the discharge of his sophomore album, Fly, in October 2024, jazz vocalist, composer and songwriter Michael Mayo ascended to new creative heights.

Very like his lauded 2021 debut album, Bones, the Los Angeles-born singer flexed his jazz-influenced musical prowess on Fly, enthusing critics with the album’s floating manufacturing, expressive songwriting and its highlighting of his expansive vocal vary. The album in the end landed Mayo his first Grammy nominations, with Fly being nominated for greatest jazz vocal album and greatest jazz efficiency for the album’s observe “4.”

Micheal Mayo’s sophmore studio album, Fly, was the follow-up to his critically acclaimed debut album, Bones.

Lauren Desberg

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Lauren Desberg

In an interview with All Issues Thought-about, Mayo stated that his artistry is pushed by his concentrate on remaining true to himself and what he needs to precise as a singer.

The observe “4” is a reinterpretation of a Miles Davis tune from the Fifties, which grew to become a jazz normal. In an interview with All Issues Thought-about, Mayo stated it is vital to respect and study conventional jazz music, however merely copying it will go towards the imaginative and prescient of the jazz greats, who tried to push the artform to new locations. And although Mayo says he is not consciously attempting to modernize jazz, he says main with authenticity helps him innovate in his music.

“I will make the musical statements that really feel essentially the most pure,” Mayo stated about his stylistic selections on Fly.

Whereas talking to NPR’s Ailsa Chang, Mayo mentioned the individuals who helped make Fly take flight and the way he approaches taking creative dangers.

Hearken to the total interview by clicking on the blue play button above.

This interview is a part of an All Issues Thought-about collection that includes first-time Grammy nominees, forward of the Grammy Awards on February 1.