Michael Mayo makes significant statement of artistic intent on 'The Way'

I suppose his sound falls somewhere between Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Sachal Vasandani and Jacob Collier yet however you place him it's clear already on this one single that we'll have to sit up and take note of singer Michael Mayo. His original …

Published: 19 Aug 2020. Updated: 3 years.

I suppose his sound falls somewhere between Bobby McFerrin, Al Jarreau, Sachal Vasandani and Jacob Collier yet however you place him it's clear already on this one single that we'll have to sit up and take note of singer Michael Mayo. His original song 'The Way' leads the way via a dazzling arrangement towards an upcoming album to be issued by the Mack Avenue label. A former student of the New England Conservatory of Music and one of the few vocalists to have studied at the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz Performance, Mayo on 'The Way' manages to make connections with a whole range of sounds rooted in jazz and also embracing R&B and soul in a very grown-up sophisticated approach that he is carving out all for himself.

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Autumn release for Adam Kolker's new album Lost

How does Adam Kolker's version of 'Lost' stack up when you seek out versions of the tune by Wayne Shorter, writer of the piece, or by the late Wallace Roney or Eddie Henderson? Pretty well as it happens. There's a pervasive period feel that shows …

Published: 18 Aug 2020. Updated: 3 years.

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How does Adam Kolker's version of 'Lost' stack up when you seek out versions of the tune by Wayne Shorter, writer of the piece, or by the late Wallace Roney or Eddie Henderson?

Pretty well as it happens. There's a pervasive period feel that shows empathy with the origins of the piece certainly and the lead line draws out the subtle unpeeling charm of the melancholic melody. In more recent years Shorter on the album Emanon completely deconstructed his piece.

The title track of a new Sunnyside release, the saxophonist has for sure delivered a fine version of the classic piece in a quartet setting that finds him with pianist Bruce Barth, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and drummer Billy Hart.

Look for the album in late-September.