GRAMMY Winner Michael Mani Fuses Jazz, R&B & Funk on Long-Awaited Debut Album Triangles

Out May 9, “Triangles” marks the contemporary jazz debut of Michael Mani — a visionary producer finally stepping into the spotlight.

For over four decades, Michael Mani has been a powerhouse behind the scenes — producing, composing, and arranging hits for legends like Santana, Eric Clapton, and Whitney Houston. Now, the GRAMMY-winning keyboardist and producer is finally turning the spotlight inward with Triangles, his long-anticipated contemporary jazz debut, dropping this Friday (May 9) via Baja/TSR Records.

The album’s lead single — also titled “Triangles” — is already making waves, climbing the Billboard singles chart and hitting No. 1 on Nashville’s WFSK jazz station. Infused with shimmering piano melodies, deep grooves, and dynamic instrumentation, the track sets the tone for an album that Mani describes as a reflection of the many “triangles” in life — spiritual, musical, and personal.

“Triangles are everywhere — in music, in relationships, in faith,” says Mani. “I see them in the connection between piano, God, and myself when I’m creating. The holy Trinity is a powerful influence in my life. And triangles, in structure and symbolism, are the strongest shape — from the pyramids to skyscrapers.”

Raised in the Bay Area and mentored by GRAMMY-winning producer Narada Michael Walden (Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey), Mani spent years shaping the sounds of pop, R&B, and Latin music. He helped launch the careers of Tori Kelly and Becky G and contributed to GRAMMY-winning projects like Santana’s Supernatural. But jazz was always his quiet passion — until now.

Each of the 15 tracks on Triangles reflects Mani’s deep musical well, blending jazz, R&B, funk, and soul into a cohesive, high-energy journey.

On “In The Moment,” a vibrant solo piano piece with infectious rhythms, Mani pays homage to jazz icons Jeff Lorber and David Sanborn. “Night Thrills” and “Skyline” are steeped in 80s funk-pop influences, while “Just Can’t Stop” brings a danceable groove to life with saxophonist Mike Parlett. Guitarist Nils and bassist Tony Saunders join Mani on “Echoes of Love,” a dynamic track that captures the spirit of live collaboration.

Brazilian jazz shines through on “Walks in Brazil,” where Mani channels his admiration for pianist Michel Camilo. “I imagined walking on a beach near a rainforest — I had so much fun with the piano on that one,” he says.

Throughout Triangles, Mani surrounds himself with standout talent. Saxophonist Ashley J adds warmth on “Night Shift,” while Bryan Thompson lends his horn to the album’s closer, the inspirational “By Your Side” — a song dedicated to God and Mani’s late corgi, Scooby.

Other highlights include:

• “I Can Hear You Calling,” a retro R&B groove born from a dream

• “Funk City,” a high-energy tribute to Sanborn and Marcus Miller

• “Smiles,” a hip-hop-infused jam featuring a brass section arranged by Arturo Solar (Luis Miguel)

• “All Night,” where Mani trades licks with Nils over a chill hip-hop beat

• “Head Over Heels,” a romantic groove written for his wife, Julianne

“This album is the culmination of everything I’ve learned and loved — from classical training as a kid to funk fusion as a teen, to crafting pop hits as an adult,” says Mani. “I wanted it to feel like a playlist, with each track offering something new. It’s not about following a formula — it’s just me, creating from the heart.”

With Triangles, Michael Mani emerges as a bold new voice in contemporary jazz — bringing fresh energy, decades of musical mastery, and a deep sense of purpose to the genre.

Track Listing – Triangles

1. Triangles

2. In The Moment

3. Night Thrills

4. Just Can’t Stop

5. Echoes of Love

6. Walks in Brazil

7. Night Shift

8. I Can Hear You Calling

9. Skyline

10. Funk City

11. Smiles

12. Pacific Blue

13. All Night

14. Head Over Heels

15. By Your Side