2009 debut album from the Michigan-bred Pop/Soul singer/songwriter. A Strange Arrangement draws from the inspiration of Leroy Hutson, Smokey Robinson and the legendary songwriting and production trio of Holland, Dozier, Holland. At the same time, it revels in raw the sounds of the independent (and often unappreciated) musicians who aspired to achieve a level of success akin to their famous peers. The album is full of original compositions (bar a cover of The New Holidays' 'Maybe So, Maybe No') that underlies a heartfelt nostalgia to the sweet Soul of yesteryear. 12 tracks.
2011 album from the singer, songwriter, producer and DJ. The Retro Soul tag is added to almost any contemporary work that sounds like it was originally recorded before 1980, and Mayer Hawthorne is aware of how trends come and go. On How Do You Do, Hawthorne proves that he is not part of a trend. The classic Motown sound that provided the blueprint for his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, remains, but is joined on How Do You Do by music reminiscent of late 1960s California pop and the best work from the likes of Steely Dan and Chicago. On this release, the formula has been updated. The vocals are stronger, the music more varied and vibrant, but it's still Mayer Hawthorne. And the message is love.