Synthesis by Raul offres Midon NEUF

Performer Notes:

• Audio Mixer: Helik Hadar.
• Recording information: Market Street, Santa Monica, CA; Sage And Sound Recording, Hollywood, CA.
• Photographer: Mac Brown.
• If you want to learn the magic of soulful troubadour Raul Mid?n in just five easy minutes, youd be hard-pressed to find a better example than Synthesis opening track, "Dont Be a Silly Man." The lyrics read like an essay about meeting your idols, but the singers old-school phrasing and a jazzy backing band turn the words into a singalong song, and soon Midons rather personal story becomes something any given listener can adapt to their own world. This balance harkens back to Bill Withers and the California singer/songwriters of the `70s and theres little doubt on "Next Generation" that Midon has a nostalgic, classically mellow heart as he pines "Infinity takes no time at all these days." He still takes advantage of some modern freedoms as "About You" skanks with a modern ska beat, while on "About You," the singer repeatedly drops the Parental Advisory-earning F-bomb. Besides that, Midons whole soul-meets-folk-meets-pop-with-a-touch-of-blues wouldnt be as possible if he wasnt living in the loose mash-up age of shuffling iPods, Keb Mo, and Corinne Bailey Rae. Being blind seems to have given the man of gift of seeing past ulterior motives, and aging humanists who feel truth is a value thats just not valued enough anymore will find plenty of comfort here. Add a worthwhile, minimal cover of the Beatles "Blackbird" and the attractive, oddball lounge number "Everyone Deserves a Second Chance" and youve got a laid-back throwback thats highly rewarding. ~ David Jeffries

Professional Reviews: JazzTimes (p.72) - "His entrancing Sting-meets-STevie Wonder voice and equally captivating guitar work are best showcased on the albums sole cover, a delicate Blackbird..."

Producer: Larry Klein

Format: CD (1 Disc); Stereo

Country: USA

Release Date: 13 April, 2010

Label: Decca

Dimensions: 16.9 x 1 x 16.3 centimeters (0.06 kg)