One-time Essex native and E.D.H.S. alumni, Robert Gray, recently released his long anticipated album, Take Me Higher.

Take Me Higher certainly didn’t follow fast on the heels of Gray’s previous album, Up Until Now. In fact, Take Me Higher was a labour of love that was five years in the making. Robert Gray fans, however, will find the end result well worth the wait.

Take Me Higher is a very professional sounding album that will not only secure Gray a place in the hearts of his current fans but will no doubt attract new fans as well. The album features ten tracks that are carefully packaged together.

Take Me Higher is a mature album for mature listeners. With its warmth and depth it is the audio equivalent of fine wine. Gray has matured and so have his fans. Now in this mid-forties, he is comfortable with his age. “I’m 44 years old now and I’m definitely mellowing out,” he said “You can tell by my lyrics, which are all about getting older, that I’m getting to the age where I’m looking back at my childhood and all the things that go with growing up as a man and maturing.”

There is a definite spiritual element to Take Me Higher. While Gray writes on a personal level, the listener can easily relate to what he is saying and draw inspiration for his words. For example, in Lucky (the third track on the album), Gray sings about how lucky he is to be a father, to have a family, and be loved. It’s a sentiment that many parents share.

Gray’s last CD garnered attention. Tracks from the album were played regularly on CHYR, CBC radio, and Pam Rossie’s Over Easy show. Take Me Higher is superior album that boasts a superior sound, so Gray should enjoy even greater success. In fact, Tango Productions and RDR Music, two Toronto-based production companies, have already expressed an interest in getting the title track, Take Me Higher, into regular rotation across the country.

Gray was fortunate to couple his natural talent and song writing ability with a strong line-up of musicians. Take Me Higher boasts some big names. Keyboardist Bill Sample and bassist David Woodhead have played with some top-notch Canadian musicians and Windsor Musicians. Norm Macpherson (keyboards), John Theaker (saxophone), and Terry Lesperance (drums) are highly talented, seasoned veterans in their own right. Gray felt blessed to have this solid support behind in the studio. But, first and foremost, he feels blessed to have the support of his wife, Debbie, and their children behind him at home.

Comparing his latest release to the album he put out five years ago, Gray stated that Take Me Higher is a big step forward for him as a musician. He said he wouldn’t have released Take Me Higher if he felt otherwise. For Gray, its important to always reach for the next rung. He should be pleased with his new album, because it definitely takes him higher.

Take me higher is available online at www.robertgraymusic.com or in Essex at Labonte music and the Piggymart. It is also at the Indigo Book Store in Tecumseh.

You can catch a live performance of Gray at the Pelee Days Inn on December 1st, 2nd, 19th and 15th.