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Recent news items:

07.17.2008

A musical Ýstinye Park: Shop till you bop

American musician Raul Midón was onstage Monday as part of the 15th International Jazz Festival. The word of the night must have been 'amalgamation' as different types of people, different types of landscape and different genres ofmusicmerged together DIDE Siemmond ISTANBUL - Turkish Daily News Three years after his breakthrough album, the ravishing Raul Midón made a welcome return to Istanbul for the 15th International Istanbul Jazz Festival Monday and substituted for the lack of stars in the clear night sky above Ýstinye Park with ease. The night demonstrated the capacity such extensive and ordinary shopping malls secretly hold to transform themselves into magical, musical abysses. Midón ensured the continuation of the flaccid and supportive aura that suffused over the reclining cushions, tables and chairs, and greenery that metamorphosed the luxurious Ýstinye Park shopping complex into a relaxed and simple backgarden or summer park-time concert with humility-steeped comic anecdotes sprinkled in between the genre-diffusing music. Humorously recognizing the nightmare he poses for the advertisement crew as a soul-funk-jazz-blues-pop-R'n'B -- and now folk -- musician, Midón'smusicwas, surprisingly, anything but a chaotic fusion mess, parodying the success of the eclectic layout of the setting. Couples sat chewing away at tables,friendsperched sipping their cool drinks,musiclovers sprawled across the grass rolling up to the stage and the more socially-orientated murmured in the balcony above the bar. The word of the night must have been “amalgamation” as different types of people, different types of landscape and different genres ofmusicmerged together. Predominantly sprawling with people in their 20s and onwards, the open space on the highest floor of Ýstinye Park featured a low stage just in front of the stores of the big cheeses of the fashion industry – Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Yet in front of the fashion forerunners pulsed a refreshingly humble, yet professional Midón, who, despite his blatant talent – embodied in the form of his percussive guitar playing, blues and jazz-influenced vocal acrobatics and extraordinary vocal imitation of the trumpet – appeared to be untainted by themusicmoneymaking industry. Dressed casually in jeans and a timelessly bohemian beret, he seemed to be a musician rather than amusicbusinessman. Perhaps it is this very uncorrupted sincerity that is the reason why he is able to weld together many different musical genres without creating a stylistic fracas. By playing a pick-and-mix selection of songs from his first major album, produced and arranged by Arif Mardin and his son in June 2005, “State of Mind,” his next album from Sept. 2007, “A World Within A World,” and songs fresh out of his imaginative oven such as the tentatively-titled “Call my name,” Midón gave the audience a chance to familiarize themselves both with the audibly different influences already spoken of and his own idiosyncratic style. He seemed to favor a brittle, nail-based sweep of the hand, combined with a vaguely evocative African drumming technique along the side, and cheeks of the acoustic guitar. The beats and soulful vocals that followed perfectly suited the languid yet up beat setting, proving that shopping malls are far more multi-faceted than initially meets the label-filled eye.

06.23.2008

New York Times Review!

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/21/arts/music/21wrig.html?ex=1371787200&en=9822f950d6dbacbe&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink">Check out this great review of Raul'smusicby the New York Times!</a>

06.04.2008

Check Raul out at World Cafe Live!

This month in the U.S. you can catch the mighty Raul Midon live in New York and Philly! Check out Raul on a double bill with Lizz Wright on June 19, 2008 at The Society for Ethical Culture and June 20, 2008 at The World Cafe Live in the great city of Philly! Head to thetourpage for more dates in the U.S. and Europe!

05.02.2008

Live in Miami on WLRN!

If you live in Miami tune in to WLRN 91.3 check Raul out live in Miami with Ed Bell on South Florida Arts Beat at 1:00 P.M. EST OR tune in online to www.wlrnlive.org! After that Raul heads to South Beach for a gig at The Raliegh Hotel - Midnight on the Beach for the JVC Jazz Festival - don't be crazy - go check him out if you are in town... Peace, Crew of RSM

04.02.2008

Love and thanks to all!

Thanks to everyone from Korea to Africa who showed up and supported Raul on his recenttourin March! He had a blast eating his way through all of the native cuisines from curry to Korean Barbecue! Check out highlights on you tube! Raul collaborated in Korea and in South Africa and you were there to support him! Stay tuned for upcoming dates in the U.S. Canada, Europe and UK... Now he's going on vacation! Peace out! Crew of RSM

03.07.2008

Turn back your clocks this Sunday!

Roll into Spring by checking out Raul live internationally... Lots of ourfriendsabroad are posting their reviews and live clips. Look for Raul from Korea on you tube soon... Pick up a copy of "Acoustic" Uk's #1 Guitar Mag! They have heralded Raul as "one of the most exciting acoustic artists to emerge stateside for many a year!" You can pick up an individual copy online... Do it now! On 3/8 and 3/9 he will be at the Java Jazz Festival 2008 in Jakarta! Raul will also be at Mosaic Music Festival in Singapore on 3/11, the Philippines International Jazz and Arts Festival on 3/13 and the Sunburst Music Festival on 3/15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Then it’s on to Australia for six shows including the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival and rounding out the month will be his performance at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in South Africa on 3/29! If you can't see Raul see hisfriendsin the documentary "Blindsight" which features Sabriye and Paul founders of Braille Without Borders as they take six of their blind students on a climb of Lhakpa ri in Tibet! www.braillewithoutborders.org!

02.19.2008

See you in S.E. Asia!

Thanks to all the fans who came out from Buffalo to Los Angeles! Next stop: Korea! Peace, Crew of RSM

01.29.2008

Valentine’s Day at the Roxy!! Raul and the Slammin All Body Band!! Last Chance to See Raul in North America!

What could be better than spending Valentine’s Day with the one you love and Raul! Make plans to take that someone special to see Raul on Valentine’s Day at the Roxy!! It promises to be a fantastic show! Joining Raul at the Roxy will be the awesome Slammin All Body Band!! Be sure to check them out at http://myspace.com/slamminallbodyband and http://crosspulse.com/html/slammin.html. You won’t want to miss this show!!! Don’t miss out!! We don’t have any othertourplans in the works for North America so this is your last opportunity to see Raul perform!! Join him tonight at Nighttown in Cleveland, OH! Then on 1/30 you can catch the show at The Ark in Ann Arbor, MI!! After that Raul moves on to the Windy City! Be sure to be at the Abbey Pub on 2/1 in Chicago, IL! Then it’s The Dakota on 2/2 in Minneapolis, MN, The Triple Door on 2/5 in Seattle, WA and the Swedish American Music Hall on 2/7in San Francisco, CA! Get your tickets to all the shows now! Come out and enjoy the music!! Raul’s new album, “A World Within A World” is available in stores now!! Peace! RSM Crew

01.21.2008

Raul at the Rams Head On Stage Tonight!

Make sure to join Raul on tonight 1/21 at the Rams Head On Stage to celebrate Martin Luther King Day!!! Raul is going to perform “Change is Gonna Come” and other soul classics in honor of Martin Luther King!! Let’s all celebrate this very special day together!! After that it’s on to New York for three shows!! 1/24 in Buffalo at the Tralf Music Hall, 1/25 in Rochester at High Fidelity and 1/26 in Utica at Mohawk Valley Community College! Check out all the Tour Dates and come out and enjoy the music!! RSM Crew

01.15.2008

World Cafe Show in Philadelphia Canceled

Sorry folks! Raul’s show tonight at the World Cafe in Philadelphia has been canceled. Raul is ill, but don’t fret it’s nothing life threatening! So unfortunately we had to make that tough decision to cancel. We all want Raul to be in perfect voice for any show he performs so anything less than his best would just not be fair to you. All credit card orders will be refunded automatically. For cash purchases, please bring your tickets to the World Café Box Office in person at any time to obtain a cash refund. Peace RSM Crew

01.09.2008

Tour Continues in 2008!

Raul will be touring the U.S. in January and February! Join him at the Highline Ballroom in NYC on 1/14! Then its on to Philadelphia, Boston, and quick trip to Montreal, Quebec, and then back the U.S. Tickets are on sale now for all the shows! Check out the Tour section to see when Raul is coming to your city!! In March Raul will touring Southeast Asia and then on to Australia. We hope you all can come out and support Raul at all the wonderful shows!! Peace RSM Crew

12.25.2007

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Happy Holidays to Everyone!! Have a Safe and Fantastic New Year!

12.06.2007

Raul on Emeril!!

Raul just finished taping today with Emeril!! The show will be entitled "Beer Run with Emeril" We will let you know when the show will be airing.

12.04.2007

Raul Performs at the Kennedy Center!

Join Raul at the Kennedy Center on 12/8 at 8:00 p.m. for a very special event - The Movie Music of Spike Lee and Terence Blanchard! Raul along with Dee Dee Bridgewater and Kurt Elling will perform with the Terence Blanchard Quintet and the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Bill Cosby hosts this electrifyingmultimediaevent featuring themusicfrom Spike Lee's most celebrated films! Don't miss out! RSM Crew

12.03.2007

Music lover, music critic and musician supporter Tom Terrell moved on to the next plane this past week after a long battle with cancer.

He made an impact on a lot of people and many are mourning his loss. This is what he had to say about Raul in 2005 ... We regret that we didn't know him personally and upon hearing of his passing we searched the archives and found this article about Raul which appeared in Vibe Magazine in 2005... Raul Midón - Instant Classic - A stone immaculate Raul Midón-rakish newsboy cap, new wave Ray-Bans, shark-tooth necklace, natty jacket-stands center stage on the Late Show with David Letterman set. No band, just him, a mike, and an acoustic guitar. A heartbeat later, Midón launches into “State of Mind,” a propulsive flamenco-funk strum groove (coproducer Arif Mardin likens it to “a drum living in a guitar”). By the first chorus, he’s cooking. At the bridge he mouths a jazzy trumpet solo, and the studio audience goes mental. A star is born. Two days later, Midón, 39, is still buzzing from a divine coming-out party in front of millions. “The audience was feeding me back the energy I was putting out,” recalls Midón from a quiet office space inside Manhattan Records’ headquarters. “There’s nothing like that in the world. Millions of people listening to you create memories with a melody and a lyric that means something.” These are so not the words of today’s typical musician. Then again, nothing’s typical about Midón. Born blind to an Argentine father and African-American mother, the flamenco guitar prodigy was raised in the small rural town of Embudo, NM. A transcriber of Charlie Parker jazz solos, and a late-blooming disciple of the Donny-Stevie-Curtis-Bill Withers, progressive, black, pop-vocal school, Midón has nurtured a sound that’s both vintage and refreshing. After settling in New York in 2002, he garnered stage experience while touring the world with DJ Louie Vega’s band, Elements of Life. Eventually, he put his road act on pause to focus on a solo endeavor in 2004. Now he’s created an album of brilliant heart-and-head songs. From a 9/11 anthem that soars (“Everybody”) to a rapturously uplifting tribute to Donny Hathaway (“Sittin’ in the Middle”) to a harmonica-smoothed blue-light special that leaves you breathless (“Expressions of Love”), State of Mind feels good, dances well, and means a whole lot of something. “Raul is a brilliant jazz musician and singer who writes universal pop songs,” says State of Mind coproducer Joe Mardin (Arif’s son). “You hear the struggles he’s been through in his music, but you also hear extreme optimism.” Midón is a true believer; a throwback to a time when America’s pop-culture massive really believed that musicians had the power to change hearts, minds, lives, and worlds. “This is a bridge I want to acknowledge,” he declares. “You change one person who hears you, you’re one step closer to changing something that needs to be changed. This is my calling as a musician.” If only there were more like him. –Tom Terrell.

11.27.2007

The Last Three Tour Dates of 2007!!

Join Raul at the Tokyo Ebisu Garden Hall on 28.11.07, the Zepp Nagoya on 30.11.07 and the Zepp Osaka on 2.12.07!! These are the lasttourdates on this portion of Raul’s World Tour for 2007. So get your tickets now!! He will be back ontourin the US in January to continue supporting his new album, “A World Within A World.” Sayonara for now! RSM Crew

11.26.2007

Check out this Fantastic Review of Raul's Performance at the Barbican!!

Jazz star Midón is breathtakingly good! “Cherry-picking songs from his two acclaimed albums, Raul Midón was breathtakingly good and is on way to household-name status. "I play bigger rooms each time I come back," announced Raul Midón, to cheers. Then he proceeded to show why. Hoisting his steel string guitar closer to his chest, the blind Afro-Argentine artist combined voice and instrument to such astounding effect it was hard to tell what was more impressive: his percussive guitar playing, with its expressive arpeggios and acrobatic finger-work, or his soulful and wide-ranging tenor. … A rapt crowd hung on Midón's every note. There were bursts of applause for his flamenco flourishes and complex funk excursions, for his high falsetto wails and George Benson-style scats. His uncanny vocal jazz trumpet imitation, delivered - lips pursed à la Dizzy - in synch with his guitar, sparked whistles, foot-stomping, declarations of love. An unassuming yet hugely charismatic presence … Lyrics were socially aware, sung occasionally in Spanish. Hooks, harmonies and melodies were at a premium. Breathtakingly good, Raul Midón is on his way to household-name status. The rooms can only get bigger.” Check out the whole review at http://www.thisislondon.co.uk

11.22.2007

Listen to Raul on BBC Radio 2 Today!

Take a moment from preparing for your Thanksgiving feast and listen online to Raul's interview on BBC Radio 2 today at 12:00 p.m. eastern time! Enjoy!!! Happy Thanksgiving! RSM Crew

11.16.2007

Last Chance to Buy Tickets to Shows in Europe and UK! World Tour Continues In Japan!! Raul on Emeril!!

It’s your last chance to see Raul in Europe and the UK!! Just three shows left where tickets are still available! Olympia Theatre in Paris on 17.11.07, the Paul Baillart Centre, Culturel in Paris on 21.11.07 and the Barbican Centre on 23.11.07! The shows in The Netherlands are Sold Out!! You absolutely must come out and see Raul perform songs from his outstanding new album, “A World Within A World.” Don’t miss out!! The World Tour moves on to Japan!! Tickets are still available to the shows at the Tokyo Shibuya Ax on 26.11..07, Tokyo Ebisu Garden Hall on 28.11.07, Zepp Nagoya on 30.11.07 and also at the Zepp Osaka on 2.12.07!! Come out and enjoy themusicwith Raul!!! In December catch Raul on Emeril Live, where he will be cooking up some awesomemusicwith Emeril and the band!! Bon Appetit!! Peace! Crew of RSM!!

11.08.2007

Merch Store Under Construction!

Just to let everyone know, the merch store is under construction. We hope to have it up and running in about two weeks!! Thanks for your patience!! RSM Crew

11.07.2007

Raul on NPR's "All Things Considered" This Week

Tune in to NPR this week to listen to an interview with Raul on the show “All Things Considered” with Allison Keyes The date has not yet been confirmed but it will definitely be this week! So tune in and enjoy! RSM Crew.

11.06.2007

Raul kicks off his tour of Europe and the UK tonight in Berlin!

Tonight Raul begins histourof Europe and the UK at the Quasimodo in Berlin, Germany, and then it’s the Mandarin in Hamburg, Germany on 07.11.07, the Leverkusen Jazztage in Düsseldorf, Germany on 09.11.07 and the Aalen Jazz Festival in Aalen, Germany on 10.11.07. Please join Raul and help support his new album, “A World Within A World!” Check out thetoursection for all the shows!!! Peace!! RSM Crew

10.31.2007

Email Malfunction

Hey Everyone: Our email system is malfunctioning. If you received duplicates and/or only part of Raul's newsletter we apologize. We are working on the system and hope to have the problem corrected shortly. Thanks Crew of RSM

10.30.2007

Raul on This Morning on ITV on 10/31!! More Fantastic Reviews for “A World Within A World!” Second Half of World Tour Begins in November!

Check out Raul on England's This Morning on ITV on 10/31!! Raul will chat with the hosts and then perform a song from his new album!! The critics love Raul and “A World Within A World!” Check out these great reviews!! “At times he recalls Stevie Wonder’s groovy melodies and rich vocals, then he’s like Paul Simon musing on love and loss over layered acoustic guitars. Midon infuses pop tracks and substantive lyrics and groovy hooks.”- ASSOCIATED PRESS, September 2007; “With a voice like Stevie Wonder at his softest, crossed with Donny Hathaway at his most passionate, Midon approaches this album with the seasoned sass of a soul jazz veteran.”-PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, October 2007; “His rock, classical and flamenco guitar chops are as accomplished as his smooth voice.” -WASHINGTON POST, October 2007. Second half of the World Tour begins!! Raul’s hugely successfultourwill now move across the Atlantic to Europe!! Germany (4 shows), Switzerland (2 shows), Italy (1 show), France (2 shows), The Netherlands (2 shows – 1 show already sold out!), and London (1 show)!! Look up the venues on thetoursection!! The tickets are going fast so make sure to get yours early!!! Hope everyone is ready because there is no one in the world like Raul Live!! Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!! RSM Crew!

10.23.2007

US Tour Complete on 10/26! Second Half of World Tour Begins! Replay of Raul on Jay Leno 10/26!

The first part of Raul’s World Tour is almost complete! The lasttourdate in North America is on 10/26 at the Plaza Club in Vancouver BC! Don’t miss out! In November Raul will begin touring Europe. The firsttourdates are at the Quasimodo in Berlin, Germany on 11/6, the Mandarin in Hamburg on 11/7, the Leverkusener Jazztage in Düsseldorf on 11/9 and the Aalen Jazz Festival on 11/10. Make sure to watch The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on 10/26, this is the re-airing of Raul’s 9/27 performance! So many people requested it; they just had to replay it! Raul had a great time touring the US and Canada in October! He especially like getting to meet his fans!! We hope that you all enjoyed the shows! Raul is looking forward to coming back very soon!! Peace! RSM Crew!

10.16.2007

World Tour Continues!! 10/22 at the Roxy in LA!! "Possibilities" Documentary to Air on Showtime! Tickets for Japan Shows On Sale!!

Only a few dates left on the North American leg of Raul’s World Tour! Join Raul at the Roxy in Los Angeles on 10/22 and at Café Du Nord on 10/23 in San Francisco! Show Raul your West Coast support for “A World Within A World.” Make sure to watch the documentary “Possibilities” airing in November on Showtime!! The documentary chronicles the collaboration of Herbie Hancock with Raul and other recording artists for Herbie’s “Possibilities” album! Check it out! In November thetourmoves on to Europe and the UK. End of November means Japan! Raul loves Japan and can’t wait to perform for his fans there. Get your tickets right away!! That’s all for now!! Ciao! RSM Crew!

10.11.2007

New Website!! “A World Within A World” Released Two Weeks Ago in the US!

As you all can see Raul’s new website is up and running. Let us know what you think!! A World Within A World” was released two weeks ago in the US!! Did you get your copy? Show us how much you like the album by writing a review on Amazon.com! We appreciate the feedback!! Tonight Raul performs in Montreal at the Metropolis Le Savoy !!! The nexttourdate is on 10/13 in Toronto at the Enwave Theatre, so don’t miss out!! After that it’s on to Minneapolis, Chicago and Philadelphia! Hope you can join us!! Make sure to check out the video for Pick Somebody Up on VH1 Soul and online on VIRB!! Goodbye for now! Crew of RSM

10.02.2007

The World Tour for “A World Within A World” has begun!! Tickets On Sale Now for Japan Tour dates!!

The World Tour for “A World Within A World” began last night at the Highline Ballroom!! Raul was also celebrating the release of the album!! What a party!! Sorry if you missed it! Raul’s performance was outstanding! The nexttourdate is on 10/8 at the Birchmere in Alexandria, Virginia! Get your tickets now!! Did you miss Raul on Jay Leno last week? Well don’t despair they are going to re-play it again soon because of popular demand!! Tickets are on sale now for all four of the Japan shows!! Hey you fans in Japan, make sure to be at all the shows if you can!! They are going to be massive!! The shows are at the Tokyo Shibuya Ax 11/26, Tokyo Ebisu Garden Hall 11/28, Zepp Nagoya 11/30 and also Zepp Osaka on 12/2!! Check out all the othertourdates for October in the US and Canada, and in November it’s on to Europe, the UK and then Japan! That’s all for now!! Peace! RSM Crew.

09.28.2007

Raul on Craig Ferguson Tonight! "A World Within A World" released in the US! World Tour begins on 10/1!

Tonight be sure to catch Raul on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson!! An event you will not want to miss!! The US release of "A World Within A World" happened this week! Tell all yourfriendswhat an awesome album it is! Order it today here! World Tour/CD Release Party at The Highline Ballroom on 10/1 is just days away! Get your tickets now! Check out all thetourdates so you can be sure to see Raul when he comes to your town! All around the world you can catch Raul’s World Tour, the US, Canada, Europe, the UK and Japan! Hasta luego! Crew of RSM

09.27.2007

Tonight Watch Raul Midon on Jay Leno!! “A World Within A World" released in the US this week! World Tour Starts Soon!

The day is here!! Raul performs this evening on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno!! You absolutely must watch what is sure to be a fantastic performance!! The US release of “A World Within A World” happened this week! Did you get your copy yet? Watch the video for “Pick Somebody Up” on VH1 Soul and on VIRB!! The World Tour begins on 10/1 at the Highline Ballroom in NY!! Be there for the official CD Release Party!! Updates to thetoursection happen all the time so don’t miss Raul in your city!! The World Tour starts in the US and works its way around the globe!! See Raul in Canada, Europe, the UK and Japan!! The website is under construction, but the new site will be completed soon! That’s all for now!! Sayonara! Crew of RSM

09.25.2007

US Release of "A World Within A World" Today!!! Raul on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on 9/27 and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on 9/28!!

Hey everyone, today's the day!! No more waiting! The US release of "A World Within A World" happens today! Go out and get your copy right away! And while you're out, get your tickets for the World Tour!! There are lots of chances to see Raul in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe and Japan!! More dates in other countries will be added soon! Two more days until Raul performs on Jay Leno on 9/27!! This is big folks, so make sure to stay up and watch!! More good news, you can also watch Raul perform on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson on Friday, 9/28!! Don't go out, invite yourfriendsover, have a party and watch the show! Mark your calendars for a very special party. Raul's World Tour kicks off with his CD Release Party at the Highline Ballroom on 10/1! Tickets are going fast, don't wait! Check out the new date added to thetoursection, for Raul's fans in Vancouver! New events are added every day so check it out! The website is under construction, but new site coming soon! Adios from the RSM Crew!

09.25.2007

Raul on Leno! US and Canada Tour Begins! Japan Tour Dates Announced!!

Raul is going to be on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on September 27, 2007. Don’t Miss It! “A World Within A World” Album Release is less than 2 weeks away! You can pre-order your copy now!! Just click on the link to Amazon at the top of the site!! Raul will kick off his US/Canada Tour on October 1, 2007 at the Highline Ballroom MC’d by the extremely funny comedienne, Rebecca Ciletti! Tickets are still available but going fast!!! More Great News! Supporting Raul on his US/Canada Tour is the unforgettable modern jazz/soul singer, Morley! Europe, UK and Japan Tour dates have been added for November, check out thetourdates section for more info! Website construction almost completed! Morenewssoon! Ciao! Crew of RSM

09.18.2007

“A World Within A World” released in Europe and UK!! Four Shows in Japan Added to Tour! Don’t Miss Raul on Jay Leno!!

Hey Everyone! A World Within A World has been released in Europe and the UK! Go out and get your copy today! The US release date is coming up!! Mark you calendars for September 25th!! But why wait, you can pre-order your copy from the link at the top of the page!! No standing in line! Did you get your tickets yet to see Raul live? Check out thetoursection for shows in your area. More dates have been added to Raul’s World Tour! Four Shows in Japan!! And don’t forget to watch Raul perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on September 27th!! You won’t want to miss it! Join Raul on 10/19 at Border’s Downtown in Ann Arbor, MI for an in-store performance and signing. Get your CD autographed by Raul!! Remember to call your local radio station and request the single Pick Somebody Up!! You can also watch the video on VH1 Soul! Raul’s World Tour/CD Release Party at The Highline Ballroom on 10/1 is fast approaching; tickets are still available, so come out and join the party!! Au revoir for now! Crew of RSM

09.18.2007

“A World Within A World” released in Europe and UK!! Four Shows in Japan Added to Tour! Don’t Miss Raul on Jay Leno!!

Hey Everyone! A World Within A World has been released in Europe and the UK! Go out and get your copy today! The US release date is coming up!! Mark you calendars for September 25th!! But why wait, you can pre-order your copy from the link at the top of the page!! No standing in line! Did you get your tickets yet to see Raul live? Check out thetoursection for shows in your area. More dates have been added to Raul’s World Tour! Four Shows in Japan!! And don’t forget to watch Raul perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on September 27th!! You won’t want to miss it! Join Raul on 10/19 at Border’s Downtown in Ann Arbor, MI for an in-store performance and signing. Get your CD autographed by Raul!! Remember to call your local radio station and request the single Pick Somebody Up!! You can also watch the video on VH1 Soul! Raul’s World Tour/CD Release Party at The Highline Ballroom on 10/1 is fast approaching; tickets are still available, so come out and join the party!! Au revoir for now! Crew of RSM

08.16.2007

New Album! A World Within A World Tour! Website Re-design!

Raul’s new album is due out September 25, 2007! You can download the first single “Pick Somebody Up” at I-Tunes U.S. and U.K. For more tunes go to Raul’s myspace page! New dates for his “A World Within A World Tour” are posted on thetoursection! Get tickets now for his New York C.D. Release Party at The Highline Ballroom on October 1, 2007! See Tour Page for more cities! We will announce Raul’stourof Europe, UK and Japan very soon! Stay in touch!!! That’s it for now – the website is under construction! Peace, Crew of RSM

07.19.2007

Congratulations Myspace Winners!

Congratulations to all the winners of the myspace contest! You get to see Raul at ICA in London for the Exclusive I-tunes show tonight which features Raul opening for the princess of soul Beverly Knight! Remember you promised to sway, scream and make frantic gestures when appropriate of course! Enjoy and please drop a line on myspace after the show!

06.21.2007

New Tour Dates

Raul will be returning to London to play the iTunes Festival on July 19! You can enter to win tickets here, iTunes will pick 350 lucky people to attend this intimate show. Dates in Milan, Montreux and Dublin are now confirmed, check out the tour page for more info!

05.15.2007

New Tour Dates!

Raul will be playing a limited number of shows in Europe this summer. So catch him while you can at the festival in your area. Check out thetourpage for more info!

04.20.2007

Los Angeles & New York Shows

Sorry for the delay of this news update but if you haven’t noticed already, Raul will be playing a show in Los Angeles on May 6. The April 25th New York show is soldout so another date has been added on May 15. Check out the tour page for more info!

04.07.2007

May Tour Dates

Just confirmed more shows in San Francisco, Solana Beach and Philadelphia. Check out the tour page for more info!

04.04.2007

New Tour Dates

Shows in Seattle and Aspen just announced, check out thetourpage for more info!

03.27.2007

Lincoln, NE Show

Raul will be playing with his friend Jason Mraz at the Rococo Theatre at the University of NE on April 12th. Please check out thetourpage for more info!

03.19.2007

New tour dates added!

Tickets for the New York City shows go onsale Tuesday, March 20th at 12pm EST and the Capital Jazz Festival show is onsale now.

02.13.2007

Sweet Deal

To celebrate Valentine’s Day, ALL Raul Midon t-shirts will be 20% off until March 2nd. Get your special someone a classic Raul shirt or better yet treat yourself to one! Start shopping now.

01.26.2007

NEW TOUR DATES!

Raul is playing a couple shows in March, check out the tour page for more info!

12.26.2006

Happy Holidays!

Raul is in the studio working on his next album due out in 2007! Join the mailing list to be abreast of the release date of the album. Also, if you need more Raul Midon live check out www.fabchannel.com or the Kennedy Center for an old favorite. Raul's Letterman appearance is available on you tube also! Check it out! Stay tuned for more information! Please enjoy a wonderful holiday season! Until next year! 73's

12.05.2006

Christmas Concert Online!

You can listen to the 2005 World Cafe Christmas Concert that features holiday classics from Raul, Jonatha Brooke, Old Crow Medicine Show and The MaGarrigle Sisters. Click here to listen now.

12.01.2006

Merchandise Sale Continues!

We decided to extend the merchandise sale through December so you can buy your special someone a Raul Midon shirt and CD for the holidays. To start shopping, go here!

11.09.2006

New Tour Dates!

Raul will be playing 3 shows at the Monte Carlo Jazz Festival at the end of this month. Check out thetourpage for more info!

11.03.2006

November Merchandise Sale!

Buy a Raul Midon t-shirt with the limited live EP at a very special price. Shirt quantities are limited and this promotion ends November 30, buy your Midon merchandise here!

10.06.2006

Amsterdam concert now online!

Check out Raul's incredible performance from his sold out show in Amsterdam last month. Go here to watch the concert.

09.29.2006

Turks and Caicos Film Festival

Raul has been invited to perform at this year's Turks and Caicos International Film Festival on October 18th. To purchase tickets to this event visit the Turks and Caicos Film Festival Website.

09.19.2006

New Tour Dates!

Raul will be playing a couple shows on the east coast next month. Check out thetourpage for more info!

09.15.2006

ITUNES UK- Single of the Week

Now you can share Raul with your friends. Go to the ITunes UK homepage where you can download the track "State of Mind" for FREE! Thanks to all for your support on the shows this week!

09.08.2006

Congratualations to the Myspace Winners!

Thank you for all of your wonderful stories of how you came to hear of Raul. He was touched to hear how passionate his fans were for music. We would like to congratulate:

"In his own words"
"Niggytardust"
"Zia"
"jane roderigues"
"annababe"
"Kim"

Tickets are still available for the upcoming UK/ Holland Tour, so tell your friends! This is the last tour before Raul hits the studio to work on the new album.

08.31.2006

Raul Midon Myspace Contest

WIN CONCERT TICKETS TO SEE RAUL IN EUROPE!

Add Raul to your Top 8 and tell us how you discovered his music by posting your story as a comment on Raul's page. We will randomly pick one winner from each city who will receive 2 tickets to the concert of their choice! Please note which show you would like to see at the end of your comment. This contest only offers tickets to an upcoming show in Europe in September 2006.The deadline for all entries is 5:00pm BST/6:00pm CEST September 6th. Good luck!

08.30.2006

NPR interview now online

If you missed Raul's interview and performance on NPR's Talk of the Nation yesterday, you can check it out online.

08.28.2006

Raul on NPR's Talk of the Nation tomorrow!

Tune into NPR's live radio program "Talk of the Nation" on August 29 at 12:40pm PST to hear a live interview and performance from Raul. You can call in and ask questions as well, phone (800)989-8255 or (800)989-TALK. Please check NPR's website for local station info and air times in your area.

08.16.2006

Blue Note in Chicago Winner!

Congratulations to Matthew Wallace who won the Blue Note in Chicago Sweepstakes! Matthew will see Raul tomorrow night at the Charter One Pavilion in Chicago. Thanks to everyone who entered the contest.

08.11.2006

Live version of "Everybody" available at Starbucks!

XM Satellite Radio and Starbucks Hear Music to Release New CD of Performances From XM's Popular 'Artist Confidential' Series on August 29th. Produced by XM Satellite Radio exclusively for Starbucks Hear Music, XM Artist Confidential, Vol. 1 includes live renditions of songs by Coldplay, Willie Nelson, Tori Amos, Robert Plant, Raul Midon and many others, previously only available to XM subscribers. The CD will be available exclusively at Starbucks Company- operated locations in the U.S. and Canada and online at http://www.starbucks.com/hearmusic beginning August 29, 2006.

07.28.2006

5 STARS

Raul recieved 5 stars in The Guardian after performing at Pigalle in London. Check out the review here

07.21.2006

Blast Error

For those that recieved the e-mail blast yesterday the date for the Boulder, CO headliner was wrong. The correct date is AUGUST 19th at Fox Theatre. We apologize for the confusion.

07.13.2006

New shows coming soon!

The July 24 London show is soldout, thanks to everyone who bought tickets! Check back next week as we will be adding new shows in the UK, Holland and right here in the U.S.!

07.12.2006

New Show! Raul in Boulder

Raul will be headlining at the Fox Theatre on August 19. Tickets are only $12.

06.29.2006

MySpace Paris Contest!

I'm giving away 2 tickets to my July 4 show in Paris to the lucky winner of the MySpace contest. Sign up to be my friend and contest details are posted in my latest bulletin. GOOD LUCK!!

06.28.2006

New Journal Posted!

A tribute to Arif Mardin, you will always be in our hearts.

06.23.2006

London show confirmed!

Raul will be playing The Pigalle Club in London on July 24. Check out the tour page to get your tickets today!

06.22.2006

"Later with Jools" Reminder

Just as a reminder for our BBC 2 Television subscribers, Raul will be appearing on "Later with Jools" Friday June 23 at 11:35 PM. Everyone else can view the show anytime after it airs by accessing BBC Online. This show will only be accessable for seven days, so don't miss out on an awesome performance.

06.21.2006

Iceberg Radio Interview

Check out this great interview that Raul did for Iceberg Radio while he was in Toronto earlier this month.

06.19.2006

Raul Midon in Chicago Sweepstakes!

BLUE NOTE IN CHICAGO SWEEPSTAKES Rolling Stone and Real are offering a fly away contest for one lucky winner to see Raul in Chicago on August 17, 2006. Grand prize includes round-trip airfare for two, deluxe hotel accommodations, limo service and a $2,000 visa gift card for the 4 day/3 night holiday in Chicago. Check out the link below for contest rules and entry information, contest ends on June 30th… good luck to everyone! Win Here

06.16.2006

August Tour Dates!

Just announced, Raul will be joining up with the legendary George Benson and Al Jarreau in August. Check out thetourpage for more info.

06.08.2006

Show Cancellations

Unfortunately we have to cancel the Portland, Seattle and Vancouver shows this month but we have excitingnewsthat Raul has been invited to perform on "Later with Jools Holland" in London! Airdate for this BBC2 television program will be June 23, for more info visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/later/ Deepest apologies to everyone who bought tickets to these shows. Refunds for the Vancouver show are available at point of purchase.

06.02.2006

Oopsie! Computer glitches...

Oh yeah - computer glitches (how do you spell that?) in the 21st Century - of course it could happen... Haven't you seen Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth." I know, I know it's about global warming but guys it's the 21st Century - there's bound to be some problems with computers too. We can attest to that. Of course we aren't going to do a documentary about it but nonetheless they still exist. Oh well, sorry if you got two e-mail blasts and more apologies - if you didn't know who they were from when they said "Canadian Headlining Dates" - it's from us Raulmidon.com - we were so anxious to get you the new dates we couldn't wait to fix those pesky problems... Please forgive us? Remember don't sweat the small stuff and more than that it's all small... Peace.

05.26.2006

Last show with Jamie Cullum!

Check out Raul for his last show with Jamie Cullum this Memorial Day Weekend at The Paolo Soleri and the Land of Enchantment, Santa Fe, New Mexico! Come out and show your support!

05.08.2006

Tour Kicks Off Today!

Today kicks off the firsttourdate with British sensation Jamie Cullum in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Check out thetourpage for more information about this tour, along with the June dates supporting pop star Joe Jackson.

05.01.2006

On the road with Jamie Cullum!

Raul heads out with Jamie Cullum kicking it off this Monday May 8, 2006 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida! Check out thetourpage for more dates! He'll have new t-shirts for sale, powder blue for boys and lavendar for girls! Also you can pick up an autographed c.d. too! Enjoy the shows!

04.14.2006

Herbie Hancock Doc Features Raul!

HERBIE HANCOCK: POSSIBILITIES is a film about creative process. And a man whose musical genius is matched only by his generosity of spirit and humanity. POSSIBILITIES opens this Friday April 14 at the QUAD CINEMA, 34 W.13th St. NYC and the REGENT SHOWCASE, 614 N. La Brea, LA. Please catch it on the big screen, or the DVD is in stores April 18. movieTRAILER: http://www.klm-creative.com/HERBIE/HerbieTrailer3.mov

03.17.2006

New Tour Dates!

Head over to thetourpage to check out new US dates supporting Jamie Cullum! Tickets for most shows are onsale NOW.

03.13.2006

New journal entry!

03.07.2006

Europe!

Raul continues to kick ass in Europe receiving a five star review in London's paper The Evening Standard and another great review in Paris's The Liberation. His show for Radio Nova in Paris was a big success! He'll be returning to Paris for The Blue Note Festival on March 30th! His show sold out in Amsterdam and he's headed back there soon. There's alot happening and it's taking some time to sort it all out but you'll hear about it here soon! So stay tuned - there's more for Europe but there's some great things happening stateside so, "People Get Ready..."

02.13.2006

London and Amsterdam!

Raul is headed to Europe to release State of Mind there! While most of the trip will be promotional there are two select shows you and yourfriendscan attend! The first show is in London at Bush Hall on February 22, 2006 and the next show is in Amsterdam at the Melkweg Old Room on February 25, 2006! Check out thetourpage for more information!

01.27.2006

Raul in Amsterdam!

Tickets on now on sale for Raul's show on 25th of February at the Melkweg Old Room in Amsterdam. Click HERE to get your tickets.

01.04.2006

"State of Mind" in Starbucks!

Have you been to your local Starbucks lately? Raul's "State of Mind" cd is now sold at Starbucks!

01.03.2006

New Journal!

Check out Raul's newjournalentry.

12.23.2005

Raul in London!

Not only will Raul be opening up for Jason at Shephard's Bush Empire on the 21st of February, but he will also be headlining Bush Hall on the 22nd of February. Go to thetourpage for more information.

12.16.2005

Japan on Sale 17th of December!

Don't forget tickets to Raul'stourin Japan goes on sale the 17th of December. Click here for your tickets! Thetourpage has more info!

12.07.2005

Pictures!

Head over to thephotospage to see new pictures of Raul!

12.06.2005

Raul Showcase in Amsterdam!

Check out Raul in Amsterdam on Thursday 8 December 2005! Go to thetourpage for more details.

12.05.2005

Raul To Tour Japan!

Head over to thetourpage for details on Raul's Japan Tour!

11.22.2005

Raul's Street Team!

Don't forget to sign up for Raul's street team HERE!

11.22.2005

Kimmel to Re-Air Raul's performance!

On Thanksgiving (November 24th), Raul's performance on Jimmy Kimmel will re-air! Check you local listings for more information.

11.17.2005

NPR Christmas Concert!

Check out thetourpage for information on the NPR Christmas Concert in Philadelphia on November 29th! There's a newjournalentry too!

11.17.2005

Raul in the UK!

Raul will be playing Bush Hall on Wednesday 22nd February 2006! Tickets go on sale Tomorrow! Head over to GetLIVE to purchase your tickets!

11.01.2005

Full World Cafe Appearance!

Click HERE to listen to Raul's full World Cafe appearance! Be sure to head over to the message boards and let us know what you think.

10.24.2005

Japan

Raul is in Japan releasing "State of Mind" there! He'll be back stateside soon!

10.24.2005

Dates with India.Arie!

Check out thetourpage for shows with India.Arie in November! Tickets are on sale now!

10.07.2005

Raul Article from Vibe Magazine, October 2005 Issue.

Raul Midón
Instant Classic


A stone immaculate Raul Midón-rakish newsboy cap, new wave Ray-Bans, shark-tooth necklace, natty jacket-stands center stage on the Late Show with David Letterman set. No band, just him, a mike, and an acoustic guitar. A heartbeat later, Midón launches into “State of Mind,” a propulsive flamenco-funk strum groove (coproducer Arif Mardin likens it to “a drum living in a guitar”). By the first chorus, he’s cooking. At the bridge he mouths a jazzy trumpet solo, and the studio audience goes mental. A star is born.

Two days later, Midón, 39, is still buzzing from a divine coming-out party in front of millions. “The audience was feeding me back the energy I was putting out,” recalls Midón from a quiet office space inside Manhattan Records’ headquarters. “There’s nothing like that in the world. Millions of people listening to you create memories with a melody and a lyric that means something.” These are so not the words of today’s typical musician. Then again, nothing’s typical about Midón. Born blind to an Argentine father and African-American mother, the flamenco guitar prodigy was raised in the small rural town of Embudo, NM. A transcriber of Charlie Parker jazz solos, and a late-blooming disciple of the Donny-Stevie-Curtis-Bill Withers, progressive, black, pop-vocal school, Midón has nurtured a sound that’s both vintage and refreshing. After settling in New York in 2002, he garnered stage experience while touring the world with DJ Louie Vega’s band, Elements of Life. Eventually, he put his road act on pause to focus on a solo endeavor in 2004.

Now he’s created an album of brilliant heart-and-head songs. From a 9/11 anthem that soars (“Everybody”) to a rapturously uplifting tribute to Donny Hathaway (“Sittin’ in the Middle”) to a harmonica-smoothed blue-light special that leaves you breathless (“Expressions of Love”), State of Mind feels good, dances well, and means a whole lot of something. “Raul is a brilliant jazz musician and singer who writes universal pop songs,” says State of Mind coproducer Joe Mardin (Arif’s son). “You hear the struggles he’s been through in his music, but you also hear extreme optimism.” Midón is a true believer; a throwback to a time when America’s pop-culture massive really believed that musicians had the power to change hearts, minds, lives, and worlds. “This is a bridge I want to acknowledge,” he declares. “You change one person who hears you, you’re one step closer to changing something that needs to be changed. This is my calling as a musician.” If only there were more like him. –Tom Terrell.

10.06.2005

Raul on "Sunday Today In New York"

For those of you in the New York area, on Sunday, October 16th, please watch Raul on the "Sunday Today In New York" show on WNBC! Raul will be performing during the last half hour of the show. The show airs from 7am - 9am EST on WNBC only!

09.16.2005

New journal entry...

09.05.2005

Vibe Magazine!

Check out this month's issue of Vibe for a story about Raul! Peace y'all... and remember to pick up the live c.d. at c.d. baby - all proceeds will go to the Red Cross!

09.02.2005

Donations to Hurricane Katrina Relief!

Be sure to head over to CD Baby and purchase the Live EP. All proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross.

08.23.2005

Raul to perform at tribute to Stevie Wonder!

Legendary pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has asked Raul to join him for UNCF's tribute to Stevie Wonder in Los Angeles, CA on September 9! The two who recently collaborated on Herbie's latest recording Possibilities will perform one of Stevie's most popular tunes "I Just Called To Say I Love You" only this time the happy pop tune turns introspective on this melancholic interpretation... Possibilities will be available at Starbucks later this month.

08.20.2005

New journal entry coming!

08.10.2005

Raul Street Team!

We are kicking off Raul's street team! Be sure to sign up HERE to be apart of a great team.

08.10.2005

Raul on Tour!

WOW! Check out the Tour page! Many more dates added including shows with Jason Mraz, Keller Williams, and Missy Higgins.

08.10.2005

Borders!

Check out thetourpage for Borders In Store Appearances! Raul will be performing and meeting with his fans!

08.08.2005

Raul on NPR!

In case you missed Raul's performance on NPR check it out here!

08.07.2005

Raul does Weekend Edition!

Check out the interview with Leann Hansen on NPR - listen online www.npr.org! It's all archived if you miss the show in your area...

07.18.2005

Tonight Show with Jay Leno!

BIG NEWS! Raul will be appearing on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on August 3rd! Be sure to check your local listings!

07.16.2005

People Magazine Feature 7/25/05 Issue!

Pick up the latest People Magazine to see their latest feature on Raul!

07.15.2005

Raul on The Tavis Smiley Show!

Catch Raul's interview and performance with this respected talk show host!Check your local listings and www.pbs.org!

07.11.2005

The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson!

Check out Raul July 13, 2005 on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson on CBS... 12:35a.m. EST following Letterman! Check your local listings for the correct time in your area!

07.05.2005

WFUV Picks "State of Mind" as Album of the Week!

They'll mark this by playing the whole album Thursday July 7, 2005 at 8 P.M. EST!!! Listen online at www.wfuv.org or in the New York area FM 90.7! Please support public radio!

07.05.2005

Raul in Red Bank, NJ!

If you happen to be in the Red Bank, NJ area be sure to check out Raul's FREE performance Wednesday, June 5th @ 7:30pm. The event takes place at the Riverside Garden Park, West Front Street! See you there!

06.30.2005

Raul's Letterman Performance!

In case you missed Raul on Letterman or just want to watch it again...check it out here!

06.29.2005

Raul! Raul! Raul!

Raul blew everybody away last night on Letterman! Post your thoughts on the Board! Check out Raul's performance and interview on NPR right here!

06.28.2005

Raul on NPR!

Raul will be on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition" on Wednesday, June 29th! Turn your radio dial to your local NPR station tomorrow morning, between 7:30-8:00am EST. You will be able to listen to his interview and performance after 10am EST at www.npr.org!

06.27.2005

New Review!

Everybody is loving Raul! Check out this new review... REVIEWS Barnes & Noble He's a phenomenal guitar player, a soulful singer, an innocently engaging songwriter. Raul Midón, who is also blind from birth and a twin, is clearly a record company dream, and his debut brings out the big guns, including producer Arif Mardin and Stevie Wonder (who lends harmonica and, one can assume, moral support). But Midón need not rely on name-dropping or on his Cinderella story to attract attention. State of Mind makes the case from the first bars of the title track, which features his dazzling acoustic guitar technique. Synthesizing the stylings of artists such as Leo Kottke and Earl Klugh, Midón's precise picking and percussive attack is rich with harmonics and syncopation. It's easy to forget that he's only minimally accompanied (and never sequenced) on the album. When not deftly imitating a trumpet, Midón's voice invokes soul touchstones such as Wonder and Hathaway, as well as modern-day disciples such as Bryan McKnight. Confident on a ballad such as "Suddenly," deftly rhythmic on the flamenco-flavored "Never Get Enough," he's a perfect foil for his own hyperactive guitar. If there's any flaw to this sparkling introduction, it's that, in the lyrics department, Midón takes his obtusely spiritual cues from Wonder. But the genuine talent on display makes such criticism curmudgeonly at best. It's far better to focus on the fascinating journey that's just beginning for this remarkable artist. Mark Schwartz

06.20.2005

New Raul Review!

Raul was a must see at the Rochester Jazz Festival! Click here!

06.17.2005

Raul in Guitar One Magazine!

Check out Raul's feature in the July issue of Guitar One Magazine, in stands next week. There will also be 2 different guitar lessons in the August (in stands June 28th) and September (in stands July 26th) issues of the magazine as well.

06.17.2005

Late Show Date Change!

Update your calendar! Raul will now be on the Late Show with David Letterman on Tuesday, June 28th.

06.16.2005

Raul On The Road!

Check out thetourpage for more Raul dates!

06.13.2005

From People Magazine 6/13/05 Issue.

Like many of today's soul men, Raul Midon owes a huge debt to Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway and this newcomer pays up right away. Midon, working with Hathaway's former producer Arif Mardin throughout, dedicates one song ("Sittin in the Middle") to that late singer and shows love for Wonder by recruiting him to play harmonica on another ("Expressions of Love"). There's more than idol worship, though, to this, one of the year's most exciting debuts. Midon - who, like Wonder is blind - is the real deal. A New Mexico-born singer-guitarist of African American and Argentinenian descent, Midon is an eclectic adventurist, drawing from pop, jazz, reggae, Latin, Afro-Cuban as well as '70's R&B influences. His remarkable voice is just as versatile, it's an elastic instrument that boasts the warm, rich timbre of Wonder and Hathaway, a spine-tingling falsetto and an uncanny ability to mimic a trumpet on cuts like the upbeat title tune (one of many tracks that reflect Midon's positive outlook). And his fluid yet fervent acoustic-guitarwork-schooled in the flamenco, jazz and classical traditions - is Mind-blowing. 3 1/2 stars out of 4. Download this: "State of Mind"

06.08.2005

State of Mind C.D. Release Party @ Joe's Pub at The Public Theater!

The C.D. is out! "It's been a long time coming..." The Party at Joe's Pub was a smash! Bill Bragin and the entire staff at Joe's has been behind us since 12/10/2002 and we OWE THEM! Thank you all for coming out and making it a big success! Thank all the folks who gave us smelly, delicious flowers and champagne! More than that thanks for the LOVE and SUPPORT!

06.05.2005

LIVE ON WVOF, 7:00 P.M. 06/06/05!!!

Check out Raul online at http://www.wvof.org! Live at the Upper Room With Joe Kelley! 7:00 P.M.! 88.5 in Fairfield, CT!

06.03.2005

Raul on MySpace

Raul is now on MySpace! Sign up and be his friend.

06.01.2005

Raul on South Florida Arts Beat! 6/3!

Listen online to Raul's interview with Ed Bell from WLRN Friday June 3rd at 1:00 P.M. on the radio or online at www.wlrn.org!

05.29.2005

Jazz soul gets slap happy! Raul Midón's attention-grabbing style trumpets the arrival of a major new talent! By JIM FARBER, Daily News, NYC

You can't blame Raul Midón for feeling he's been chosen. When a recent press showcase of hismusicwas held, it wasn't shunted off to the usual dark club or dank rehearsal studio. It was presented in the well-appointed Central Park West apartment of Arif Mardin, one of pop's most storied producers. Mardin helped shape the classic recordings of artists like Aretha Franklin and Dusty Springfield in the '60s, the Bee Gees in the '70s, and more recently Norah Jones. Mardin helped Midón get signed by Manhattan Records and co-produced his first album. He was drawn to Midón's rare approach to singing and playing. As Midón stood in Mardin's home and hunkered over his guitar, he didn't so much play his instrument as slap it like it was a naughty child. First, he attacked its body with his flat hand, then he pulled briskly back on the strings, flicking them with a flourish. As Midón began to sing, he let the notes swirl feverishly around the melody, then pursed his lips and imitated a trumpet in full solo swing. Midón says he developed his percussive approach tomusicout of desperation. "I had to find a way to have a presence, to stand out," he explains. "When you're an artist with an acoustic guitar, opening for somebody else in a club, strumming quietly isn't going to cut it. I wanted to project something rhythmic as well as lyrical." The effect pricked up his producer's ears the moment he heard it. "As a jazz fan, I detected that freedom of expression in his playing," Mardin explains. "It was like a little drummer was living in his guitar, like in flamenco music. And his vocal had that soulfulness." You can hear the result on Midón's debut CD, "State of Mind," which comes out June 7. Mardin, and his co-producer son Joe, let no sonic filters get in the way of Midón's style. The CD sounds like it was cut live, but Midón says they worked on it meticulously. It's no surprise Mardin Sr. was sensitive to the singer's spare approach. He had produced several records that greatly influenced Midón, especially some by the late soul singer-songwriter Donny Hathaway. Midón's voice has a similarly free range and rich core. "I first heard Hathaway's 'A Song for You' and then kept discovering layers," Midón says. "I realized I was on the same path." Midón listened to Hathaway'smusicfor inspiration every morning before recording his own album. He even dedicated one song to him, "Sittin' in the Middle," since it bears an uncanny resemblance to the unfiltered acoustic soul of Hathaway's early '70s work. Another song on the CD, "Expressions of Love," draws from early '70s Stevie Wonder to such an extent that Midón asked his producer - as a joke - if they could get Wonder to play on the song. "[Arif] said, 'Oh, yeah, I'll call him,' - just like that," the singer recalls with a laugh. Midón and Wonder are also linked by the fact that both are blind. To boost his request, Midón wrote Wonder a note in Braille. A month had passed when, on the day before they mastered the final CD, Wonder sent in a harmonica part via the Internet. MOVED TO NEW YORK Such connections still boggle Midón's mind. He had struggled for many years before his recent break. The musician, who will give his age only as "younger than Prince and older than Usher," grew up in the small town of Embudo, near Taos, in New Mexico. His father is Argentinian, his mother was African-American. Midón has an identical twin brother who's also blind and now works as an engineer at NASA. Their mother died when the boys were 4, but Midón says their grandmother was a strong person in the family and instilled her memories of their mom in their lives. Midón absorbed Argentinian folkmusicfrom his dad (who was a professional dancer), along with jazz and progressive pop. He considers himself a jazz musician at heart. After graduating from the University of Miami, Midón worked on the local Latinmusicscene, eventually making a solid living as a backup singer and session player. But he longed to focus on his own music. So he moved to New York in 2002 and began playing small clubs, like Arthur's in the West Village. He contributed a song to Spike Lee's "She Hate Me" soundtrack, but most of the labels he approached wanted to steer him into commercial R&B. "I didn't want to do that tired sort of approach," he says. It was in New York that Midón developed his mix of flamenco-influenced acoustic jazz-soul. At times, his style recalls the work of Richie Havens or José Feliciano. But Midón adds something rare with his vocal trumpet effect. "It's like having three instruments," he says, "the guitar, the vocals and the trumpet." Only time will tell if a sound that straddles so many styles can find a large audience. Midón admits it's a concern, but he feels thankful his record company never second-guessed the style he chose. For the moment, Midón is simply flattered to be part of his famous producer's legacy. "I feel," he says, "like all the stars are aligned."

05.24.2005

'State of Mind' CD Release Party!

Come to Joe's Pub on June 7th to celebrate the release of 'State of Mind' with a performance by Raul Midon.

05.20.2005

Raul on the Radio for the Non Comvention in Philly!

Raul @ the World Cafe, his performance will be broadcast live on WXPN 88.5 FM! Around 8:30 P.M. but tune in early and hear Aimee Mann and after Kathleen Edwards!

05.17.2005

Live Daily reviews the new album!

Check it out on their website!

05.15.2005

Welcome to www.raulmidon.com!

Welcome to www.raulmidon.com!  What’s new?   This site! State of Mind, the album is available for pre-order on www.amazon.com! The “drop date” as they like to say is June 7, 2005. If you’re in New York City come out to Joe’s Pub for the celebration! Raul will be on Letterman on June 28 so stay tuned and help the ratings go up!!! This week he’s taping an Emeril episode! We’ll post the air date here as soon as we know it. There are some great gigs coming up stay tuned and join the mailing list! If you haven’t seen it check out the Kennedy Center performance. Next up Raul joins the lovely and talented Joss Stone in concert in Canada and then down to Miami! More dates are always being added.

Enjoy the site!

06.01.2004

Sun Sentinel

Midon, a former South Floridian who moved to New York City, attacked his guitar with a percussive vigor that produced enough syncopated notes, chords and rhythm for two guitarists and a drummer.

...soaring chords and vocal lines one could imagine Celine Dion singing, and cheerful, chin-up lyrical bromides espousing love, hope and harmonious living.

05.11.2004

Jason Mraz And His Prophets See A Tour In Their Future

...And to further honor his curbside roots, Mraz is launching the Tour of the Curbside Prophets with up-and-comers Raúl Midón, Makana and DJ Bob Neck Snapp.

Mraz described Midón - a New Mexico-bred singer/songwriter currently recording his Blue Note Records (Norah Jones' label) debut in New York - as "the most amazing musician I have seen in my life."

"His approach to a guitar and melody is so refreshing and new," Mraz said. "It reminds me of George Benson and these old-school jazz singer/songwriters. It's a pop feel, but you could tell they just love the jazz. It's the most incredible thing to watch and to listen to."

Mraz discovered the blind singer when someone e-mailed him a link to one of Midón's performances. See the full article here.

05.01.2004

Wasington Post, about the Curbside Tour

...the evening's best all-around performer, Raul Midon, tapped, plucked and strummed his guitar, creating a wealth of sounds that gave the illusion of a full band behind him. Midon, who is blind, sang with a voice as silky as Seal's, pursed his lips to imitate a trumpet, and had the audience hanging on to his every word.

05.01.2004

The Tennessean, about Raul's performance in the Curbside Tour.

...The find of the evening was New Mexico-born, New York-based guitarist Raul Midon. Blind since birth, Midon is the 21st-century analog of a one-man band, taking full advantage of the rhythmic and melodic opportunities within both guitar and vocals. With a singing voice reminiscent of Al Jarreau, a staccato picking/slapping guitar style and a spot-on vocal mimicry of muted trumpet, Midon was clearly the most versatile part of the evening.

01.06.2004

Review on Flavorpill.net

Raul Midon performs original soulmusicfor voice and guitar, but he's far from being your typical singer/songwriter. He's a one-man orchestra who combines a rhythmically charged, jazz-influenced guitar style with soaring vocals that remind us of classic R&B soulslingers like Donny Hathaway. With his trademark vocally produced "trumpet" solos and other sophisticated tricks, Raul Midon delivers an engaging and thoroughly moving performance - all by himself.

Go to website.

08.01.2003

The Washington Post, Review

Contrary to popular belief, I do like a few male singers, and one of them, whom I saw at Joe's Pub last month, is Raul Midon. His style is a febrile amalgam of Stevie Wonder vocals, feel-good pop songwriting, sophisticated jazz harmonies and a ferociously aggressive way of playing acoustic guitar. Midon didn't need the accompanists who joined him on several of his tunes, for his singing and playing are satisfying all by themselves...

08.01.2003

Miami Herald comments on Raul

"the most musical artist working the scene"..."music oozes out of every one of his pores"..."a mix between Seal and Stevie Wonder, amazingly melodic and fluid with songwriting that is solid and crafty"

06.01.2003

The Washington Post

Raul Midon opened the program with an outstanding presentation of eclectic works infused with improvisational jazz and Latin, and hints of R&B. Achingly tender passion was as proportionately emphasized by Midon's seamless acoustic guitar melodies as were the irony and hopefulness that characterize his John Lennon- and Randy Newman-influenced compositions. On Stevie Wonder's "Make Sure You're Sure" (from the "Jungle Fever'' soundtrack) the singer's raw, immaculate vocal expressions were unforgettable.

06.01.2003

Mario Cantone of "Sex & The City" says:

"He has a whole friggin' orchestra in his hands!"

06.01.2003

Jeff Beck, legendary electric guitarist says:

It's refreshing to see that there's still talent out there. I like the way he 'plays' the guitar and gets harmonics out of it. I'm a fan.

06.01.2003

Newsday

Singer Raul Midon stopped the show with his horn scats and melisma on Stevie Wonder's "Make Sure You're Sure"

06.01.2003

New York Times comments on Raul

"A few moments might please even the most finicky concertgoers...Raul Midon might steal the show by doing everything at once, strumming and slapping his guitar to lay down chords and a beat, then singing a trumpet solo."

01.09.20008

Tour Continues in 2008!

Raul will be touring the U.S. in January and February! Join him at the Highline Ballroom in NYC on 1/14! Then its on to Philadelphia, Boston, and quick trip to Montreal, Quebec, and then back the U.S. Tickets are on sale now for all the shows! Check out the Tour section to see when Raul is coming to your city!! In March Raul will touring Southeast Asia and then on to Australia. We hope you all can come out and support Raul at all the wonderful shows!! Peace RSM Crew

03.07.11/01/2007

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Raul in Guitar One Magazine!

Check out Raul's feature in the July issue of Guitar One Magazine, in stands next week. There will also be 2 different guitar lessons in the August and September issues of the magazine as well.

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Raul on NPR's "All Things Considered" This Week!

Tune in to NPR this week to listen to an interview with Raul on the show “All Things Considered!” The date has not yet been confirmed but it will definitely be this week! So tune in and enjoy! RSM Crew.