Hailing from Dayton, Ohio guitarist Mikael Manley was a member of the legendary group Commodores performing as lead guitarist from 1995-2005. A fatale automobile accident stopped this career. Mikael hat to work hard for recovery. In 2007 he started again with his solo debut In Ya Pocket. While he is working on his second solo album Situations, it's a good opportunity for a look back.

Mikael played most of the instruments on this album. He is joined on selected tracks by further musicians like Johnny "Jay" James (sax), Rachel Ricca, Jason "Jroc" Roper, and Joi Branker (vocals),   and Rodney Stepp (keyboards), Donald "Huff" Wright and Kenny Williams (bass). Mikael has composed, arranged and produced all songs.

Mobetter is Mikael's promise featuring Johnny "Jay" James on alto sax. While Mikael hypnotizes with the main guitar theme, Jay stretches out for some improvisation. With Ooh La La Mikael fosters in the Urban music scene featuring the divine singer Rachel Ricca.

I Miss You is Mikael's collaboration with Thomas Dawson. As the keyboard player for The Commodores Thomas not only performs but co-produces for this legendary group. The result is impressive and I hope to listen more from both. Lips Hips & Fingertips extends this musical pleasure. Especially Thomas' work on the keys is superb.

With alluring guitar sound Kahia Smooth shows the great potential for captivating the audience. In Ya Pocket adds a funky note to the album. With relaxing attitude Nu Grape makes life easier. Waters Flow is Mikael's "I play all instruments memento".

On Milatinos Mikael excels in the Latin music genre. With romantic tunes like New Moon and Sadie he mesmerizes especially the female listeners. With Spank Me Mikael ties up a funky package. The album closes with a remix of I Miss You.

Mikael's album In Ya Pocket is guaranteed to make you feel better. With a big dose of funk it’s going to be good.


 

Biography

Website


Album Information

Title: In Ya Pocket
Artist: Mikael
Year: 2007
Length: 0:59:31
Genre: Smooth Jazz
Label: Mikael Musix Group
 

Tracks:
01 Mobetter [4:53]
02 Ooh La La [4:17]
03 I Miss You [4:58]
04 Lips Hips & Fingertips [6:08]
05 Kahia Smooth [4:24]
06 In Ya Pocket [3:49]
07 Nu Grape [6:14]
08 Waters Flow [5:12]
09 Milatinos [4:00]
10 New Moon [1:57]
11 Sadie [5:12]
12 Spank Me [3:48]
13 I Miss You (Remix) [4:40]