MUSIC | WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13 | 7:30 PM (DOORS AT 6:30) | $33–$38
AMP Concerts is bringing Raul Midón to FUSION | 708 on Wednesday, August 13, at 7:30 PM (doors at 6:30). New Mexico-born singer-songwriter and guitarist Raul Midón is nothing if not prolific. His 14th and latest album, Lost & Found, is a blend of what he calls "smooth folk," "alt-pop" and "jazz." A master at combining genres, "his music suggests a three-way fusion of Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin and José Feliciano" (New York Times).
"When We Remember" is a country-tinged song that includes a stint of Raul playing banjo. He might have reached out to Bela Fleck, but he's held his own here and he does it from the comfort of his basement studio. To do this, Midón has had to learn the art of engineering. The technology for the blind is not consistent and it's a constant struggle, one he continues to confront on a daily basis. He's been assisted by New York recording engineer Michael O'Reilly, whom he met while making his major label debut State of Mind under the careful eye of legendary producer, Arif Mardin. Raul has worked with "Mike" extensively on many albums since those early days, including the Grammy-nominated Bad Ass and Blind.
This marks Midón's 2nd album released on his own imprint ReKondite ReKords (ReKo ReKo). Eclectic Adventurist was his first, released in November 2022. During the lockdown Raul fulfilled a long-time dream of recording a guitar duets album with some of his favorite guitarists.
He has worked with countless legends in the industry, including Bill Withers, Herbie Hancock, & Sting. In 2022 he paid tribute to Joni Mitchell with the National Symphony Orchestra, arranged and conducted by Vince Mendoza at the Kennedy Center, alongside Lalah Hathaway, Jimmie Herrod & Renee Fleming. He received two Grammy nominations back-to-back in 2017 and 2018 for his albums Bad Ass and Blind and If You Really Want in the Best Jazz Vocal Category. In 2019 he was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, University of Miami. In 2021 he was given the Disability Rights Ambassador of the Year award, presented to him by his colleague Jason Mraz.
Tickets cost $33 in advance, $38 day of show (including service charges). They are also available by phone through Hold My Ticket at 505-886-1251.