“It is intelligent and abounds with memorable tunes, Midón’s always-excellent vocals and a great sequencing of songs… Synthesis is a must have: far and away the best album yet by one of the most interesting young singer-songwriters around.” – SoulTracks

“When God was handing out talent, Raul Midón must have found himself one of the first in line. This honey-voiced, virtuoso guitarist and accomplished songwriter (who also does a mean impression of the muted-trumpet) is now three albums deep and his star shows no sign of waning.” – SoulCulture

“It’s a testament to a singer’s skill when he can, with his voice and a song, move the audience to tears.” – The Straits Times Life!

Search for “Raul Midón” on YouTube and you’ll find a clip of the New York-based vocalist, guitarist and songwriter appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2006. Performing State of Mind, the title track from his 2005 debut album, Midón unleashed a silky, soulful tenor and dazzling percussive guitar style. It was a virtuosic performance, revealing what has made him such an exciting artist to watch.

The son of an Argentinean father and an African-American mother (who died when Midón was young), he was born prematurely in a rural hospital in Embudo, New Mexico, where he and his twin brother were blinded as infants after spending time in an incubator without adequate eye protection.

Midón followed a musical path inspired by his father, a professional Argentine folkloric dancer. He began playing hand drums at the age of four, before shifting his focus to guitar while attending a school for the blind.

He later attended the University of Miami, which he selected for its prestigious jazz curriculum. After graduating, he became an in-demand backup singer, working primarily in the Latin-pop world for such artists as Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Shakira and Ricky Martin.

After State of Mind garnered critical accolades for its heady fusion of old-school soul, Latin, jazz and timeless singer/songwriter folk-pop, he made a name for himself touring throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. He then released his second solo album, A World Within a World (2007), which features insinuating grooves and uplifting lyrics about social consciousness.

Some may remember that Midón performed at Mosaic Music Festival in 2008, armed with just his voice and a steel-stringed guitar. He subsequently recorded his latest album, Synthesis (2009), with legendary producer and bassist Larry Klein, who is noted for his work with such luminaries as Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock and Peter Gabriel.

Now, Midón is back with a backing band for another Mosaic appearance. Whether you’re a newcomer to his music or someone who has been following his remarkable talent for years, you’ll eagerly lap up all that creativity and fiery passion he has to offer – a genre-defying blend of soul, pop, jazz, folk and Latin elements that balance biting insights with deliriously catchy melodies.

7.30pm
(1 hr 30 mins, no intermission)

$40*, $60**, $80
(Limited concessions for students, NSF and senior citizens: $25*, $40**)

Early Bird Special for this show ends 31 Jan 2011

Raul Midón will also be conducting a workshop, click here for more info.

Exclusive savings for Mosaic Friends and other packages available .