London-based MICHAEL GRAY is a top, top DJ, mixer and producer. He’s one half of Ful Intention and boasts an impressive CV and track record. You’ll surely know and love his 2004 ‘Weekend’. His star has been firmly in the ascendant in recent years, with a string of chart-topping, floor-filling productions and remixes under his belt but right now he’s gearing up to release his own album, ‘Optimism’ – due very soon. He says: “This album has been a year and a half in the making. In these confused and often frightening times, we need musical communion more than ever.!” That, maybe explains the title!
Thus with ‘Optimism’ Mike sets out to craft an album full of positivity – a hybrid of classic disco mixed with modern disco and soul. Reviews reveal current focus tracks to be the beautiful, soulful ballad ‘All I Want Is You’(with vocals from Lex Cameron of Heatwave) the crashing dancer, ‘Butterfly’ (Tatiana Owens up front) and the crunchy workout, ‘Where Do We Go From Here’ (Kelli Sae at the mic).
Musicians on the album, include drummer by Derrick McKenzie (Jamiroquai), percussionist Russ Tarley from Incognito and string arranger Stephen Hussey, known for his work on Soul II Soul’s early hits. Those strings are sweet as anything on the aforementioned ‘All I Want Is You’ (destined to be one the years big soul ballads!
