When Myles Hayes sings, he brings new life and unforgettable energy to the jazz standards wherever you may find him. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Myles studied voice performance at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. He then spent a brief time in New York City as a street performer before returning to Fort Worth to focus his efforts on jazz.
Studying under UT-Dallas professor and award-winning pianist Michael McVey, Myles focused on such influences as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darren and Nat King Cole. The two performed together weekly for over two years at the historic Italian Inn of Fort Worth. There, he also met and performed with friend and fellow jazz vocalist James Norris. The duo soon realized the potential dynamic of their different yet complimentary styles, and decided to take their sound into the studio.
Recorded at First Street Audio in Fort Worth, produced by Jordan Richardson of the L.A. based band Oliver Future, and released in July of 2005, the sixteen track album, "Empty Tables", brought together jazz musicians from all over Metroplex, and captured the varied styles which Myles and James could perform. Thrilled to finally sing with a full band, the two worked to find a permanent group. It was then in October in 2006 that The Moondevils premiered at The Moon, swinging a set of the standards.
The talent of the Moondevils includes Keyboard and trumpet player Justin Barbee, bassist Dino Villanueva, guitarist Ron Geida, percussionist Austin Allen, and saxophonist Jeff Dazey. After a few months of leading their weekly jazz jams at The Moon, the group quickly discovered their own style and started swinging through other venues in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including 8.0's, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Embargo, The Beagle, The Lonesome Dove, The Black Dog Tavern, Ten Martini Lounge and the five-star Adolphus Hotel. After almost two years together, in February 2007 the Moondevils recorded a new nine-track album of jazz standards entitled "Night & Day". Again working with Jordan Richardson to record at First Street Audio, "Night & Day" was released in July of 2007.
Now based in Chicago, Illinois, Myles has founded The Myles Hayes Jazz Quintet, with whom he has recorded a five-track demo at Columbia University. Consisting of some of the premier jazz musicians the city has to offer, the quintet regularly include pianist Damian Espinosa, bassist Marc Piane and drummer Jeff Lein. Not only is he surrounding himself with some of Chicago's most talented jazz artists, Myles is currently taking voice lessons from grammy-nominated jazz and blues vocalist Typhanie Monique of The Old Town School of Folk Music. He also works regularly with Terry Smirl of The Les Artistas Agency in Milwaukee for booking, and finally, through the help of lyricist Dave Ostronic, Myles is also currently composing originals of his own for his next solo album.
To see Myles perform, keep an eye on his show dates and places. Venues that Myles performs at in Milwaukee include The Jazz Estate, Moceans, Vitucci's, Coco Bella's, The Town Club, The Farmstead, the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, Trocadero's and every third Saturday of each month at The Centennial in Mequon. Chicago venues include Katerina's, The Vintage Wine Bar in Wicker Park, U.S. Cellular Field (home of the Chicago White Sox), the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls), and every Thursday night at Pete Miller's Restaurant of Schaumburg. He will also be making his debut, live television performance on TMJ 4's "The Morning Blend" this April. Myles is also available for hire for any party, wedding, or event in any city.
As a musician constantly striving to perform at his best, Myles..."brings new life to the standards of the Sinatra and Nat King Cole era by invoking [his] own unique style representative of a new generation of progressive jazz" (Fort Worth Star Telegram). His..."masculine yet smooth and airy [voice]..." (Fort Worth Weekly), his enthusiastic stage presence, and his care-free charisma personify the legacy of his jazz predecessors. And just like Sinatra, you'll never forget the first time you hear Myles Hayes.
