Blind To Reality is a blending of jazz improvisation and pop songwriting. The record features an outstanding guest appearance by jazz flute player, Dave Valentin on "I Would Do Anything!" Another noteworthy appearance by... more » legendary percussionist, Sammy Figueroa. Altough the record on the whole is optimistic, it is also tinged with irony as can be found in "Let's All Go Down Together." It is pop "out of the box" peppered with elements of jazz, salsa, rhythm and blues, gospel and even folk music. ?I like to celebrate the possible,? says Midon, ?the highest, the best of possibilities for human beings. Collectively, we create an enormously powerful force that can change the world and overcome any obstacle.? His original works ?Everyday? and ?Freedom? echo these sentiments and can be heard along with nine more standout originals on this new, self-produced CD ?Blind To Reality.?« less
All Artists:Raul Midon Title:Blind To Reality Members Wishing: 1 Total Copies: 0 Original Release Date: 8/1/2001 Re-Release Date: 10/1/2001 Genres:Jazz, Pop Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC:656613419922
Synopsis
Album Description
Blind To Reality is a blending of jazz improvisation and pop songwriting. The record features an outstanding guest appearance by jazz flute player, Dave Valentin on "I Would Do Anything!" Another noteworthy appearance by legendary percussionist, Sammy Figueroa. Altough the record on the whole is optimistic, it is also tinged with irony as can be found in "Let's All Go Down Together." It is pop "out of the box" peppered with elements of jazz, salsa, rhythm and blues, gospel and even folk music. ?I like to celebrate the possible,? says Midon, ?the highest, the best of possibilities for human beings. Collectively, we create an enormously powerful force that can change the world and overcome any obstacle.? His original works ?Everyday? and ?Freedom? echo these sentiments and can be heard along with nine more standout originals on this new, self-produced CD ?Blind To Reality.?
CD Reviews
Midon's music captivates!
MP | Albuquerque, NM USA | 11/27/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Blind to Reality is one fantastic collection of songs. Raul Midon shows a penchant for powerful lyrics balanced by equally strong instrumental prowess. The range of his voice seems limitless as he sings and he truly amazes as he does an impression of a flugel horn that sounds so real it's baffling. His lyrics are so powerful and timely that it seems he's as much a prophet as a poet. His style, though hard to label, is unique but he leaves no doubts that this is one musician who can get it done.
This is one disc that I will cherish until I wear it out. Then I'll buy another! Whether I'm down in the dumps or riding high, his music lifts me to new heights and offers hope in this difficult world.
This is one disc that wont disappoint!"
Tremendous Musicianship
Spencer Blackman | Miami, Fl USA | 11/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"On his latest album, "Blind to Reality", singer-songwriter Raul Midon offers up a work of tremendous musicianship that stirs forgotten emotions and evokes inspiration for a deep experience of life. What makes this album great is Mr. Midon's ability to display both musical and lyrical virtuosity without losing one ounce of feeling. Long-time fans may worry that the studio does not suit a peforming musician like Mr. Midon, but this album is not a live performance on tape. It is instead a chance for Mr. Midon to creatively present his music to the listener in a way only the studio can afford him, with rich with backing vocals, electric guitar adornments and new arrangements of familiar material (with some amazing musicians sitting in). This is exactly the case on tracks like "Dangerous Age", "Every Day" and "You Got the Freedom", where Mr. Midon builds a colorful and rhythmic new lanscape. Newer tunes "Suddnely", "Fade Away", "Let's All Go Down Together" and "If You Really Want" show that Mr. Midon is actually gaining artistic momentum. But the most gratifying part of this album is its lyrical content, in which the listerner can find messages laden with fresh perpectives on themes of love, hope and positivity. Ultimately this album is one of perspective: a unique and fascinating take on music and on life from a future super-star."
Pure and honest music
gkujack | 11/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are two fundamental factors comming together on this release that make it an absolutely ,outstanding listening pleasure.
For one, Raul Midon's voice sounds pure and unforced, allmost liberated so that it just flows naturally and it's rich beauty can shine in every word.
Secondly, the lyrics are meaningful, positive and filled with such strong images,they easily capture one's imagination.
These two factors not only make for a strong combination,but are a clear sign of a great artist in his own right.
This is actually one of those cd's that sounds so fresh and inviting, it makes me feel good everytime I play it."
A strong album, but not as strong as STATE OF MIND......
D. Pawl | Seattle | 05/16/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Raul Midon, a brilliant, distinctive flamenco/soul-inspired guitarist and vocalist, released another, less well-known album, before his groundbreaking STATE OF MIND. BLIND TO REALITY isn't as raw or "bare bones," as the latter album. In fact, Midon is accompanied by a few other accompanists, here. To tell you the truth, Midon is strongest when left to his own devices, so he can really shine. Raul composed all of the music on this album, as he did on the next album. The lyrics aren't as strong, here, but you know he is playing his heart out. Some of my favorite tracks are "(Everyday) Blind To Reality," where we get a sense of his life as a blind musician, "Believe In Me," which is romantic and soulful and "Don't Be Afraid of the Rain," which is slightly biblical in nature.
My verdict? True, die-hard Raul Midon fans should get this, just so they can get a better sense of "how it all got started." Also, on another note, there is another, lesser known album that Raul released under the name Midon (no first name), entitled GRACIAS A LA VIDA. On that CD, Midon celebrates his Latin roots. The half Argentinean musician channeled his beautiful music through his father's culture, as well as the soul music of his mother's side (she was an African-American dancer). I wish I could tell you about GRACIAS A LA VIDA, but I don't have it and haven't heard the music yet. That's another day and another review!"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1