State Of Mind - Raul Midon Album Review

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Album Review

Not only does Raul Midon look a dead-ringer for Soul legend Stevie Wonder, he has the voice to match. Funnily enough Stevie plays harmonica on a track - Expressions Of Love. Coincidentally, both are blind. Bursting with gorgeous harmonies and golden melodies, Midon has cleverly fused Latino principles with a standard Soul/Jazz ethos - it all goes back to his formative years, or maybe his genes.

Son of Argentine father who was a pro dancer and Afro-American mum, he was raised in New Mexico, near Route 68. Initially playing drums, he moved to guitar after finding a Miles Davis - Charlie Parker album in his dad's collection, which in his own words," opened up a new world." It brought fresh ideas such as improvisation, a quality he now uses through his own 'mouth trumpet', featured on the title track. He also discovered other sounds; the rhythmic 'Malambo' and Tango, the South American folk genres, strongly influencing Never Get Enough. His jazz thing slips through Expressions Of Love, aided by Wonder. A virtuoso guitarist and consummate singer, he's opened his musical heart for all to hear, on a highly accessible collection.

Rising American star, Jason Mraz, (who I saw supporting James Blunt recently), contributes a song and a sing on Keep On Hoping. Most interesting inclusion is an indigenous percussive lead, I Would Do Anything as Sammy Figeroua and Midon go head to head. Lyrically he ventures into love, hope and deep emotions, though never soppy.

Bonus track, Where Is The Love brings Roberta Flack's classic bang up to date, as Midon brilliantly duets with Holland's top songbird Traincha ( Treintje Oosterhuis ) lead singer with now defunct Total Touch. Produced by legendary tweaker Arif Mardin (Barbara Streisand) and Joe Mardin.

With Jack Johnson's lip efforts being a big hit in the UK, surely Midon has to be a success.

A magnificent debut.

Elly Roberts