For
those of you lucky enough to catch his live performances then
descriptions such as dazzling guitar technique and a
hair-raising show stopping voice will not be an exaggeration.
The term 'acoustic soul' was first popularised by Indie Arie,
but her music sounds like a full orchestra compared to Midon's
sparse arrangements. His first 'full' album 'State of Mind' is
all about his voice and guitar. Everything else takes a back
seat. Legendary producer Arif Marden (Chaka Khan, Aretha
Franklin, Norah Jones) understands this and lets this mega
talent float effortlessly between the genres of soul, jazz and
latin with ease.
Midon's feeling for the beauty
of life and exuberance to live every moment is no better
amplified than in 'Sunshine' featuring harmonica ace, Gregoire
Maret. Beautifully written with delicious lyrics Midon's voice
is never less than joyful. Born blind and losing his mother at
an early age Midon understands tragedy only too well and yet in
music has found an ability to communicate his vision for being
grateful in just being alive. The track 'Expressions of Love',
featuring Stevie Wonder says it all, for Midon "Sitting in the
middle of those that you love, nothing else matters" He even
shares with us in ' All in the mind" the heightened level of
imagination he has as a result of his blindness.
Intimate without being preachy,
optimistic despite the struggle, Midon is one of those rare
group of artistes to leave me emotionally drained. This is
talent at the highest and yet simplest level.
