03-24-2009

Singer/songwriter Raul Midon

By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter

American singer Raul Midon returns to Seoul for another concert, as part of ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater' in April.

Midon, a blind guitarist whose deep, soulful voice invites comparisons to another blind musician Stevie Wonder, impressed Korean fans when he held a concert in Seoul last year.

In an email interview with The Korea Times, Midon shares fond memories of his concert in Seoul, as well as his guest appearance on the TV music show ``Love Letter with Yoon Do-hyun.'

``The Korean fans are special because they are so open and responsive to my music,' he said.

Midon will perform April 26, at the M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul. He promises some surprises for his upcoming concert, but declined to elaborate.

``I'll be playing songs from my previous two albums, `State of Mind' and `A World Within A World' and also previewing songs from my upcoming album. If I tell you, it wouldn't be a surprise,' he said.

Midon attracted fans and impressed critics with his albums ``A State of Mind' in 2005 and ``A World Within A World' in 2007. He writes and composes his own music, often described as pop-jazz fusion.

Midon and his twin brother were born in Embudo, New Mexico, to his Argentinean father and African-American mother. Both babies became blind after being placed in an incubator without proper protection for the eyes.

At a young age, Midon learned to play the drums and guitar. He studied music under the jazz program of the University of Miami.

Midon does not think of his blindness as an obstacle to his music career, but rather as a way for people to remember him. ``I think that blindness is a way that people remember me and that's okay as long as they remember me,' he said.

The 42-year-old singer-songwriter is currently busy writing songs and preparing to record a new album in Los Angeles. ``I'm so grateful for the fans. We're aiming to release the record internationally around September,' Midon said.

In the past, Midon has collaborated with artists such as Wonder (who played the harmonica on Midon's track ``Expressions of Love'), Herbie Hancock, Roberto Fonseca and Jason Mraz (``Keep on Hoping').

``I have my dreams of working with Paul Simon, James Taylor, and Joni Mitchell. Here's hoping dreams come true,' he said.

Aside from Midon, foreign and Korean singer-songwriters will also be holding concerts at the M Theater from April 16 to 26. ``The Beautiful Singer-Songwriter Series at the Theater' features Rachael Yamagata, Lasse Lindh, Jang Ki-ha & Faces, Jung Jae-hyung, Zitten, Yozoh, Cho Kyu-chan, Kim Gwang-jin and Bulnabang Star Sausage Club.

Tickets for the concerts range from 44,000 won to 77,000 won. Call 02-563-7110 or visit ticket.interpark.com. Email info@privatecurve.com for English inquiries

cathy@koreatimes.co.kr