Introducing Fly: A sophomore leap into jazz-infused storytelling
Michael Mayo’s sophomore album, Fly, released in October 2024, marks a significant artistic ascent for the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter and composer. Building on the promise shown in his 2021 debut Bones, Mayo pushes further into jazz-influenced arrangements, intricate melodies, and intimate lyricism. The album’s temperament feels both expansive and deeply personal, a testament to Mayo’s evolving voice as a musician who can navigate complex harmonies without surrendering emotional clarity.
Jazz as a navigator, not a gimmick
Across Fly, Mayo treats jazz not as a stylistic garnish but as a language for storytelling. The rhythms swing with a natural ease, and the harmonies invite listeners to lean in for small, revealing details—the kind of moments that linger after a song ends. This approach mirrors Mayo’s broader creative philosophy: let the song guide the arrangement rather than forcing a genre label. The result is music that feels both artistically rigorous and profoundly accessible.
Creative process: craft, collaboration, and intention
In conversations that surface through the album’s tracks, Mayo discusses a process that blends disciplined craft with collaborative openness. The act of composing for Fly involved long studio sessions where ideas were allowed to evolve organically. Layered guitar lines, nuanced keyboard textures, and subtle percussion create a sonic landscape that invites listeners to discover new details on repeated listens. Mayo’s willingness to experiment with tempo, space, and vocal phrasing contributes to a sound that remains cohesive while exploring uncharted textures.
Vocal storytelling and lyrical themes
Mayo’s vocal delivery anchors the album’s introspective mood. His phrasing carries a vocal jazz sensibility—thoughtful, precise, and emotionally resonant—without sacrificing pop-sensible hooks. Lyrically, Fly traverses themes of growth, doubt, resilience, and the delicate balance between independence and connection. The lyrics often function as quiet confessions, inviting listeners to contemplate personal moments of decision, longing, and perseverance.
Musical identity: roots, reach, and a modern pulse
Fly cements Mayo as an artist whose roots are steeped in classic jazz-informed songwriting while embracing contemporary textures. Expect tasteful harmonies, call-and-response interactions between instruments, and a production approach that emphasizes space as much as density. The result is a listening experience that honors tradition while speaking with a modern voice—an important distinction for an artist navigating indie sensibilities and broader audience appeal.
Impact and reception: connecting with audiences in a crowded landscape
With Fly, Mayo has carved out a distinct niche that honors jazz-informed artistry within the broader indie and singer-songwriter ecosystem. The album’s critical reception highlights its craft, emotional honesty, and the way Mayo’s musical vocabulary expands without sacrificing accessibility. For listeners seasonally tuned to Bones, Fly offers a natural, welcome evolution—an invitation to re-enter Mayo’s world and discover new facets of his artistry with each track.
Looking ahead: a trajectory marked by curiosity and craft
As Mayo continues to develop his sound, Fly serves both as a milestone and a blueprint. The album suggests a trajectory in which exploratory arrangements meet intimate storytelling, all anchored by Mayo’s distinctive voice. If Bones established Mayo as a promising figure in contemporary jazz-infused singer-songwriter circles, Fly confirms that promise with poise, texture, and a fearless curiosity about what comes next.
