This is Robert Gray's second locally produced recording and a major step forward from the first, The Robert Gray Project, released several years ago.

He sings a mix of light pop and country-inflected songs, all originals, that would appeal to fans of Chris DeBurgh or Tom Cochrane.

Gray also enlists the help of several of the best local session musicians.

Norm MacPherson, multi-instrumentalist who specialty is electric guitar and keyboard programming, produced the album with Gray's assistance. He also provides many of the solos.

In addition to Gray on acoustic guitar, the backup also includes former band mates, John Theaker on sax and Bill Loop on bass. Both Theaker and Loop have years of local playing in a variety of bands and studios to draw on.

The high degree of playing gives Up Until Now a very polished and finished sound.

The lead tracks are the country shuffle, Part of Me, the rave-up rocker, Get In the Groove, and Blue Sky, a gorgeous, lilting love song dedicated to his wife, Debbie.

The album was recorded at Rupert Recording Studio in Windsor and mastered at Laquer Channel in Toronto. The packaging is also highly professional, designed by Toronto-based Design Infinity.

For more about the CD or to order copies, contact Gray by email at rob.gray@sympatico.ca