Introducing Michael Ray

He performed his first gig at the age of five with his family’s band ‘Country Cousins’.

He was influenced by Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Garth Brooks, and Gary Allan and has been the opening act for Little Texas, Emerson Drive, Darryl Worley and Rodney Atkins, and as yet he is a complete new name on the scene both here and in the States.

He is twenty one year old Florida born Michael Ray, And I have just taken a listen to his self titled debut release.

From the opening track you get the feeling that talent, professionalism and great vocal ability will follow and you will not be wrong.

Over my years in broadcasting and music I’ve heard many debut releases, of which some I have forgotten because they were so poor, however on the other hand I remember hearing the first offering of an artist called Randy Ray who later became Randy Travis and realised he had something special. I can also say the same of artist like Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Suzy Bogguss and a couple more.

I have just had that same feeling relating to Michael Ray.

As a debut release it is the best I have heard for many a while, offering a fresh clean powerful vocal styling with a range that many could only dream of. Compliment that with great musicianship and a great selection of modern country styled songs and in my humble opinion MIchael is on course to follow in the footsteps of some of the great artists I’ve already mentioned.

The liner notes from his album relate, “I Am Who I Am” the lead track states “I got my mama’s eyes, my Daddy’s stubborn pride. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth…they say I’m rough around the edges and I still have some figuring out to do…that’s just me …I don’t give a damn…I Am who I Am”.

I for one would not argue with that and if you need further proof treat yourself to the best debut offering this year, you will not be disappointed.

Michael Ray                     Michael Ray                  CNE Entertainment/SCM records         info@smartchoicemusic.com