Scott Mayo EPK - SCOTT MAYO MUSIC

Press Kit
2014
Singer. Musician. Songwriter. Producer.
Scott Mayo Releases 2nd Album, Testimony
Album is the Lauded Saxophonist’s First All-Vocal Project
Los Angeles - Acclaimed musician, Scott Mayo released his sophomore album, Testimony in summer 2013.
Testimony is described as just that—a testament to Mayo’s experiences as man and musician, father and
friend, lover and listener. The album’s vibe has a R&B/Pop flavor that playfully combines sincere lyrics and
sophisticated production with strong and often vulnerable vocals. Mayo’s bright and tell-it-like-it-is attitude
make Testimony approachable and ready to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but.
Testimony comes 10 years after Mayo’s jazzy instrumental debut album, Low Angle View, but is an almost
entirely different type of album. Mayo is most popularly known as a saxophonist, but is also a professional
singer. With Testimony, Mayo sings lead on every song. His strong, tenor voice lends itself well to the album’s
wide range of emotion and tempo. Fans of Mayo’s instrumental talents will continue to be entertained as
they’ll hear Mayo play the saxes, flute and piano.
“I’m really proud of this record,” says Mayo. “It’s been such a journey and has given me a lot to say.
I learned how to draw strength from my weaknesses and challenges. This album has been significant because
it taught me to not fear the unknown.”
Mayo went on to say, “So many respected musicians gave their time and talents to this album because they
believed in my vision. It was very touching to me.”
Testimony is a diverse collection of songs that are distinct on their own but all tie into Mayo’s theme of the
ups and downs of being human: The confidence, the insecurity, the fun, and the questions.
“The kind of music that has always moved me is the most honest. It was important for me to be moved by
what I wrote. I couldn’t do that if I wasn’t honest.”
Mayo shares an optimistic view of love in the song, “You Gave Me a Reason,” which has a laid back sensual
groove, and could be a theme song for love’s high. While “Round and Round” has a vibrant pulse reflective
of Mayo’s days with Earth, Wind & Fire.
The ballad, “Innocence” has a raw honesty that gets your attention. Starting simply with the piano and
Mayo’s voice, the song’s instrumentation and lyrics grow more intense and build in tandem.
The funky, “Rate Race” and “Time for the Show” deliver a message of individual and collective
responsibility with a gritty, urban style. Mayo also gives fans plenty of up tempo tracks beginning with the
feel-good duet, “All of a Sudden” featuring singer Alexx Daye, and “I Found You,” a fist-pumping anthem
with DJ and dance club appeal.
The album closes with its title track, “Testimony,” a two-minute, reflective instrumental piece that brings the
listener back home from the album’s journey.
From start to finish, Mayo’s songs bring lyrical substance and musicality in an engaging package. Mayo’s
fans will recognize his signature saxophone sound throughout the album and will be introduced to the other
facets of his musical ability as a singer, writer and producer. New audiences will get to know Mayo as a
multidimensional artist whose music is an expression of who he is.
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For more information about Scott Mayo visit ScottMayoMusic.com
Background
A native of Rochester, N.Y., Scott Mayo has toured the world with numerous artists and is
a fixture in the Los Angeles music scene playing saxophone, flute, clarinet and piano. Mayo
is also a professional singer. Behind the microphone and behind the scenes, Mayo is known
for his versatile style and ability move freely within any musical genre from pop, R&B, rock,
jazz, classical to hip hop. Additionally, he is a Yamaha® artist and also has artist endorsements
from D’Addario Reeds®, Westone® in-ear monitors, and Reunion Blues® cases.
TV & Film
No stranger to television, Mayo is currently a proud member of the house band for
Dancing With The Stars as an arranger and musician playing saxophone, flute and clarinet.
He has also performed on numerous other shows including, The Voice, American Idol,
The Tonight Show and The Singing Bee.
Mayo was featured playing saxophone and flute during the 2014 BET Awards tribute to Lionel Richie. In 2013, Mayo performed in the house band for the 65th Primetime Emmy Awards®
and for the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute to Bruce Springsteen. At the 2011 Grammy
Awards®, Mayo shared the stage with Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq during the in a toetapping
tribute to the late “King of Rock n’ Soul,” Solomon Burke.
During the 2011 BET Awards, Mayo was the featured saxophone soloist honoring the late
Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Mayo was also featured
playing flute with Queen Latifah as part of 2011 BET Awards tribute to seventies jazz poet,
Gil Scott-Heron.
Mayo can also be heard on soundtracks for the 2013 animated film, Epic and Happy Feet Two
in 2011.
Arranging & Writing
Mayo is also passionate about writing music for his own projects and for other artists. Mayo
wrote every song on his acclaimed sophomore album, Testimony. Mayo is also an integral part
of the new album, MAGIC, from Brazilian legend, Sergio Mendes. Mayo co-wrote two songs
on the album: “Don’t Say Goodbye,” with Mendes and John Legend, and the title track,
“Magic” with Mendes. “Magic” also features Mayo as a singer and saxophonist.
Mayo arranged the horns and other woodwinds for seven songs on Mendes’ 2010 Latin
Grammy-winning album, Bom Tempo. The album includes Mayo’s skills on the saxophone,
flute and clarinet. Mayo also arranged horns and performed 19 songs for Mendes’ 2010
summer concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and performed again with Mendes at the
Hollywood Bowl in 2013.
Background
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Touring
Mayo is currently working and touring with Brazilian legend, Sergio Mendes. Mayo sings
and plays saxophone, flute, and keyboards.
Throughout 2010 and 2011, audiences have seen Mayo playing flute, saxophone with
Grammy Award-winning artist, Rickie Lee Jones.
Among R&B audiences, Mayo is perhaps best known for his work with, Earth Wind & Fire.
Mayo toured the globe with the group for more than six years playing saxophone and flute.
He is particularly lauded for his stirring on-stage saxophone solo during the beloved hit,
“Reasons” featured on the Earth,Wind & Fire: Plugged In & Live album.
In 2010, Mayo performed with Band from TV, a charity cover band whose members
include TV actors, Hugh Laurie, Greg Grunberg of Heroes and Scott Grimes of ER.
Awards & Producing
Mayo received a Best R&B Album Grammy nomination for producing the Oleta Adams album, Moving On. Mayo also received a Grammy nomination as the featured performer on
Gerald Wilson’s “Theme from Monterey.” Mayo continues his role as the lead saxophonist
in The Gerald Wilson Orchestra.
In 2012, Mayo produced Drawn to You, the 12th album from jazz vocalist, Kevyn Lettau.
The album also includes Mayo’s talents as a singer, musician and arranger.
Solo Projects
Mayo just completed his sophomore album, Testimony, which features his professional
singing chops and a R&B/Pop style. Mayo’s jazzy instrumental debut album, Low Angle
View showcase his talents as a multi-instrumentalist
“I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with other artists on their projects, but it’s also a great
feeling to see my own work come to light,” said Mayo. Mayo wrote every song on Testimony
including “Round and Round,” which was covered by Earth Wind & Fire.
Other Artist performances
CeeLo Green, Mariah Carey, Usher, Blake Shelton, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Bonnie Raitt,
Michael Bolton, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Orchestra, Ice Cube, and Brazilian guitarist, Dori Caymmi.
Reviews
Reviews
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Reviews
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Gary Hardwick,
Writer, Producer, Director
Reviews
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“...an immense talent. The standing room only crowd had the rare opportunity to hear his talent in an intimate setting. Sensuous sax, torrid yet fluid solos...in the ballad mode is the most
mesmerizing – he infuses the songs with a drama and sensitivity that leaves you limp, and hungering for more.”
“You can hear his persistent inquiry like a gentle tugging. Scott Mayo and his chin-length
dread locks keep the folks in their chairs. Cool’s being redefined here.”
“...an absolute master of the stage.” Centralino Stadio del Tennis – Rome
“...Scott Mayo was soothing all before him. He’s very contemplative, reflective; there’s something here that makes you gracefully abandon yourself.”
“...beautiful, languid soprano sax...”
Reviews
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“I’ve been privileged to hear some of the tracks he’s been working on for his upcoming album, it’s a
follow-up to his debut “Low Angle View” and it’s going to be amazing. He’s crafting a true ALBUM,
not a bunch of singles thrown together, but an honest to God album like the Beatles or Stevie Wonder
used to do.”
“The horn arrangements by Scott Mayo particularly shine in numbers like ‘Maracatu Atomico’.”
“Though Mayo has toured the world with artists like Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Bolton and Raphael
Saadiq his Rochester visit is a true homecoming.”
“Scott hosted Sunday afternoons on the air at WDKX Radio. WDKX has launched the careers of
many, but Scott has accomplished things that most of us can only dream of. Even though Scott was on
the radio as a DJ, everyone knew that his passion was performing. He is a master saxophone player!”
What People are Saying
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@ScottMayoMusic my pleasure sir, thank you for you incredible gift.
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Congrats on the new CD @ScottMayoMusic!!! What an accomplishment!
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OMG I #LoveThisAlbum…I gotta stop playing it so I can get some work done!
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Born in #elmira, raised in #roc ! Congrats to @scottmayomusic for his new album “Testimony!”
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One of my favorite songs when I first heard it. Can’t wait for it to come out.
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Just finished listening to my new copy of Testimony. Great job, Scott!!
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We listened to your album whilst on the road between Sao Paulo and Rio and totally LOVED it! Such a great
vibe along with some killin’ tunes. Awesome.
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My peeps here in Santa loving the CD:))))
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I just received my Scott Mayo. CD in the mail. It is called Testimony. So far so great, having listened to the
first two tracks.... check it out and buy it!
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Up to track 10 now.. Scott, I did not realize what an accomplished composer, writer and vocalist you are,
beyond your obvious woodwind skills.... Wow-you should be proud!
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Hi Scott! I bought it on I-Tunes.... --- #ReallyGreat!
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Heard the clips, but I really want to hear the entire CD....
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Amen!! Praise GOD!! I’m so proud of you, Scott!! HE is with you!! I am praying.....
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Good things will always come to you! @ScottMayoMusic U-R the best.....
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This is the news I’ve been waiting for!!!!!!!
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#Rochester is all over the love. Congrats Scott. So #VeryProud of you.
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This is #Awesome!!!! Scott so happy for you!!! Love Ya
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@ScottMayoMusic - It Is OFF DA FREAKIN CHAIN!!!
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#OMG THIS IS A MASTERPIECE!
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The world doesn’t even know what’s about to hit’m
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This project is #KILLIN!!
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Y-R-U so dope?!
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LOVING what I’m hearing.
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The songwriting, the performances, the productions – Not a single, weak link. Congrats on a job well done!
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Ur record is #DOPE!
Photos
Photos
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Dancing With The Stars rehearsals and performances with Mark Ballas
American Idol performances with 2013 winner, Candice Glover & 2012 runner up, Jessica Sanchez
The Voice performances with CeeLo Green & 2012 contestant, Nicholas David
Touring with Sergio Mendes: sound check for vocals and keyboards
Photos
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Rehearsals with Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq for the 2011 Grammy Award performance
Solo tribute to Clarence Clemons on the 2011 BET Awards
Performance with Queen Latifah on the 2011 BET Awards
Contact
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818.745.1380
[email protected]
To learn more, visit:
ScottMayoMusic.com
facebook.com/ScottMayoMusic
twitter.com/ScottMayoMusic
youtube.com/ScottMayoTube
reverbnation.com/ScottMayo