One of the truly original artists in the world today, Raul Midon's guitar playing is a syncopated flamenco- and jazz-infused wonder in which bass, harmony and melodic lines belie the fact that just two hands are at work. His soulful voice (think Donny Hathaway and Richie Havens) adds an old-school flavour that sits beautifully in the mix. "A one man band who turns his guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus", said the New York Times of this eclectic adventurist.

His soulful jazz and Latin contributions have graced collaborations with Herbie Hancock, Queen Latifah and Snoop Dogg among many, while the likes of Stevie Wonder, Larry Goldings, Jason Mraz and Me'shell N'degeocello have appeared on his own recordings.

"a one-man band... who is spiritually connected," according to The New York Times, and "an eclectic adventurist," in the words of People magazine. Guitar magazine describes him as "One of those rare musical forces that reminds us how strong and deep the connection between man and music can sometimes be."

Midon was born to an African-American mother and an Argentinean father, and raised in a household filled with music, from Beethoven and Stockhausen to Miles Davis. Blind-from-birth Raul began his professional career as a backing singer in Miami for massive Latin stars like Julio and Enrique Iglesias, Shakira and Ricky Martin. But the world of pop was not what Raul wanted. He moved to New York City to play his own music in the West Village, where he developed his unique show-stopping performance style. Its signature combination of silky tenor voice and percussive guitar style was a revelation.

"I took on this warrior approach to playing guitar", says Raul. "Like a 'you have to pay attention to this because you've never heard or seen anything like it before' kind of thing". Rave notices in the New York Times and elsewhere were rightly rewarded when Midon was signed to the international Manhattan/EMI label by legendary producer Arif Mardin (who's other signings included superstars from the Bee Gees to Norah Jones).

Currently recording his eighth, and first self-produced, album, Midon's heady fusion of unique guitar styling and old school soul with latin and jazz accents is a thrilling ride for audiences.

Raul Midon comes to Australia hot off a European tour. He marks his second visit downunder with an exclusive Sydney show here at Blue Beat.

www.raulmidon.com

Tonight Raul will be supported by JORDAN (Cook Islands)

PLEASE NOTE:

TICKET SALES
Should online tickets be unavailable for sale in the purchasing section above, please contact the venue on (02) 9328 4411 for ticket availability.

EARLY BIRD: $30

REGULAR: $35

DOOR: tba

DINNER BOOKINGS
For all Dinner bookings, please contact the venue on (02) 9328 4411 prior to purchasing tickets in the section above.

TIMES
DOORS OPEN at 7.00PM
MUSIC STARTS around 9.30PM

AGE RECOMMENDATIONS
This venue is 18+ recommended, so if you are under 18 and would like to come to the show, please call (02) 9328 4411 for further information.