The jazz vocal tradition is always an evolving proposition, but rarely does that notion feel truer or more affirming than in the output of Michael Mayo. Fly, his sterling second album, captures the forces of energy and creativity that he brings to the art form, on reimagined standards as well as smart original songs. Michael stopped into WRTI during a recent swing through town, straight from the airport. We talked about his upbringing as the child of two busy backing musicians, and how he pursues a band ideal even as he’s shining out front. He also reflects on the state of jazz singing, and considers how a vocalist can sneak musical complexities into the mainstream. And he divulges some secret intel about a cult-favorite side project, Shrek is Love.

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