Album Review: Raul Midón - State Of Mind (Manhattan)

Writer: Nilda Velez

Who's moving you in music today? Truth be told, there is a stark absence of male vocalists who have the innate combination of emotive melodies, command of their voice, and lyrical content worth straining to hear. Truth be told, I am a musical cynic, but the lure of Raúl Midón made me perk up and finally listen.

Midón is a simple complication. His voice is pure, deep; a true instrument. His guitar playing is an extension of that, where he beautifully blends the sounds of flamenco with familiar pop chords. The mind can easily relate to his words because of his accessible, down to earth writing style. Simultaneously, he marries all these elements in ways unseen since the days of Mr. Wonder and Mr. Hathaway, both subtle and obvious influences in this work. Listening to him live at NYC's Joe's Pub on an average night in December (and then at consequent performances) I was in awe.

Like many, I had never heard of Midón. But he has steadily made his mark not just locally, but nationwide in small venues. His debut album, State of Mind on EMI's Manhattan Records, was released this month. My favorite track, Waiting All My Life, is an honest and romantic retelling of his love for his wife. It's also where you're given the opportunity to appreciate the innovative use of his voice. Before singing Expressions of Love, which features a harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder, he humbly and humorously recounts sitting around in pajamas when he received the call from Arif Mardin, the album's producer. He said, "I hope you're not sitting around in your pajamas because he's ready." That he being Wonder. His performance, simple and engrossing, made me excited to hear the studio translations of these stories.

On the title track, you're introduced to his mouth trumpet which is impressively close to the actual instrument, yet has those inimitable vocal qualities that make it personal. The precise guitar strumming, plucked by long fingernails, coupled with the percussion he creates by beating the center of the guitar with an open palm makes a full sound. It is energetic and sounds almost hurried. The distinctive sounds of flamenco sound fresh and well mixed on Never Get Enough. Stop by this track to also appreciate his falsetto. Everybody is a track that misleadingly begins in a mellow tone and swells to head bopping rhythms. Midón sings, "Everybody can be somebody / Everybody can make a difference in this world." It's the kind of uplifting song you should listen to while applying to the Peace Corps or something equally sociopolitical. This is where he exercises his vocal range.

Listening to his work from my CD player was a bit of a let down, though. I'd been spoiled by his performances; their intimacy and power. Those qualities are unique to live shows. The energy executed by the performer, and Midón as an incredible, albeit new, example, ignites the excitement that spreads the word of mouth that is propelling careers including Midón's. I suppose listening to him live, performing completely alone, made me forget the manufactured element of studio projects. I was honestly surprised to hear background vocals and additional instrumentation that took focus away from the purity I had originally heard. However, the album is truthful, unique, and pleasantly does not fit neatly within a genre.

The truth is that Midón is a blind man with incredible talent. He can write, sing, play, and, of course, perform. The truth is he is a musician in the most quintessential definition and he is right on time.

RELATED LINKS:
Raul Midón - official website



Buy State Of Mind at Amazon UK (CD) | US (CD)



PUBLISHED: 2 June 2005

RELEASE DATE: 7 March 2005 (UK) / 26 April 2005 (US)

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