- News & Reviews FeedRaul Midon
Dear SoulTrackers
My journey in music has taken me many places. My new album "A World Within A World," I believe, reflects that journey. I've been privileged to work with people I've admired like Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and India.Arie and people I never thought I would work with like Snoop Dogg! Thanks to the SoulTracks readers for supporting me along the way!
Peace,
Raul
Web Sites:
Official Web Site
Biography
Every few years an artist hits the Soul Music world with advance buzz strong enough to land him a major recording contract and out-of-the-box media interest. One of these stories for 2005 is Raul Midon.
Born in Embudo, New Mexico to an Argentinean professional dancer father and a New York-born mother (who died when Raul was very young), Midon was exposed to music his entire childhood. Despite being born blind, Midon took on multiple instruments early -- first drums, then guitar -- and his fascination with Argentinean percussion and American jazz and blues led to an interesting amalgamation of styles that later crept into his own music as an adult.
Midon attended college in Miami and then began a career as a studio musician and vocalist in the Latin music scene. After self-releasing the album Blind To Reality in 2001, Midon moved to New York and began playing the club circuit. He soon gained a significant following among fans of multiple genres attracted to his powerful live performances that mixed elements of Latin music, R&B and folk, all fronted by his strong, soulful voice. A fantastic video of an August 2003 concert at the Kennedy Center (available for viewing at the Kennedy Center Website) brought music media attention and Midon gained the reputation as the next great unsigned artist. After releasing a live EP in 2004 he was signed by Manhattan Records and spent the next year working on his first major label studio album, State of Mind.
While highly anticipated, State of Mind presented a minor dilemma for an artist who has gained a sterling reputation as a live performer and who has been singing many of the disc's cuts in concert for several months. Fortunately, working with legendary producer Arif Mardin, Midon created a studio album that has the feel of a small club acoustic performance. The disc was a moderate hit, especially following a series of high profile television appearances. It also led to even more extensive touring by Midon.
In 2007, Midon began recording his follow-up album, World Within a World, slated for September release.
by Chris Rizik
