Album Notes

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 dedicate themselves to finding a full band. It was then in October in 2006 that The Moondevils premiered at a club called 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 Dallas/Fort Worth. After almost two years together, in February 2007 the Moondevils recorded the nine-track album of jazz standards entitled "Night & Day". Working with Jordan Richardson to record at First Street Audio, "Night & Day" was recently in July of 2007.

Now based in Chicago, Illinois, Myles has founded the Myles Hayes Jazz Quintet consisting of some of the premier jazz musicians the city has to offer. 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, works regularly with Terry Smirl of The Les Artistas Agency in Milwaukee for booking, and finally, through the help of lyricist Dave Ostronic, is also currently composing originals of his own for his next solo album. His dedication has earned him performance in some of Chicago's most respected jazz venues and event performances for high-end clientele including the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.

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 personifies the legacy of his jazz predecessors. And just like Sinatra, you’ll never forget the first time you hear Myles Hayes.