Late nights in the studio have long been part of the creative rhythm for GRAMMY®-winning keyboardist and producer Michael Mani. Best known for earning music’s highest honor for his work alongside guitar icons Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton, Mani has spent decades shaping hits behind the scenes. Now, he’s stepping boldly into the spotlight with “Night Shift,” a hard-grooving, genre-blending single that’s climbing the charts and solidifying his status as a contemporary jazz force.
Born from a 2 a.m. burst of inspiration, “Night Shift” captures the electricity of spontaneous creation. What began as a playful piano warm-up quickly transformed into a sleek fusion of hip-hop beats, dynamic piano lines, and the soulful saxophone stylings of Bay Area standout Ashley J. The result is an infectious, urban-tinged contemporary jazz track that pulses with energy and authenticity.
“Night Shift” arrives as the highly anticipated follow-up to Mani’s Mediabase No. 1 single, “Triangles,” the title track from his 15-song collection released via Baja/TSR Records. The album Triangles blends jazz, R&B, and funk while reflecting the deeper symbolism Mani sees in music and life. For him, melody, rhythm, and harmony form the three sides of a creative triangle—an interconnected structure that shapes every composition. That philosophy resonated widely: “Triangles” topped Mediabase, reached No. 2 on Billboard, and ultimately landed as Billboard’s No. 25 single of 2025. The breakthrough success also earned Mani a Smooth Jazz Network nomination for Breakout Artist of the Year.
Four decades into a multifaceted career, Mani’s résumé reads like a blueprint for modern pop and R&B excellence. He discovered and helped develop three-time GRAMMY® winner Tori Kelly and singer-actress Becky G, guiding emerging talent while continuing to refine his own artistry. A classically trained pianist, Mani sharpened his production skills working alongside celebrated producers Narada Michael Walden—known for his work with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin—and Walter Afanasieff, whose credits include Kenny G and Mariah Carey.
Mani’s keyboard work has appeared on recordings by an elite roster of artists including Lady Gaga, Al Jarreau, Michael Bolton, New Kids on the Block, Leona Lewis, Regina Belle, Tevin Campbell, Shanice, En Vogue, Siedah Garrett, and Backstreet Boys. Beyond the recording studio, he has composed music for television and film and crafted campaigns for global brands including Honda, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Apple, Taco Bell, and Hallmark.
A Bay Area native now based in Los Angeles, Mani operates his recording and production facility, The JAM, where inspiration often strikes long after midnight. It was there that “Night Shift” took shape. After sketching initial sax lines on synthesizer, Mani sent the track to Ashley J, whose live performance elevated the song’s energy and gave it a vibrant, organic edge. The collaboration embodies Mani’s vision of fusion—urban grooves, soulful jazz harmonies, expressive piano riffs, and soaring sax melodies converging into something both contemporary and timeless.
February marks another prolific chapter for Mani, with two additional singles arriving that he co-wrote and produced: “Magic Island” by Kathy Koskins and “Red, Black and Blue” by Tommy Davidson. Meanwhile, Triangles continues to resonate, featuring guest appearances by guitarist Nils and bassist Tony Saunders. Mani plans to bring the album to the stage this summer, with performances alongside both artists as he translates his chart success into a dynamic live experience.
With “Night Shift,” Michael Mani is not just riding momentum—he’s defining a new creative chapter. Blending decades of elite-level experience with a fearless, modern sensibility, he is carving out his own lane in contemporary jazz, proving that even after a career spent elevating others, his own voice still has new heights to reach.
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