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| Raul Midon Pioneers New Recording Technology For The Blind Raul Midon is credited as one of the first blind professional musicians to use a new recording software bundle called Caketalking for Cakewalk's SONAR that enables blind people to independently record and mix their own songs. Before heading into legendary producer and bassist Larry Klein's studio to work on his new album 'Synthesis' (April 13/Decca), Midon built a home studio using SONAR with Caketalking to create a series of musical soundscapes that would serve as template for his full artistic vision. Midon, who lost his vision as a newborn when he was placed in a hospital incubator without proper eye protection, says making quality recordings at home is something he and other blind people have found to be impossible to do without assistance until now. Midon says, "This record sounds like what I heard in my mind's ear." Using SONAR with Caketalking, Raul is able to achieve a new kind of independence in the studio. He explains, "I've always loved with working with producers - and will in the future - but to be able to go into my own home studio and shape my artistic vision using these recording tools, gives me a great advantage as an artist." This discovery even influenced his songwriting on 'Synthesis': "I wrote more songs based on observation than ever before. I was able to create characters outside of my life and tell vivid stories, such as "When You Call My Name" - an introspective love song from the point of view from a blind person." Caketalking was created by a Braille music technology company called Dancing Dots. Dancing Dots was founded by entrepreneur and programmer Bill McCann, who himself is a blind musician and has owned the company for over 18 years. Critics have compared Raul Midón to Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Donny Hathaway as he may be the most compelling "triple threat" to come along in years - a show-stopping guitarist, brilliant pop/soul/jazz vocalist, and a remarkable, outspoken songwriting talent. His first two albums brought critical acclaim, appearances on all the major late night T.V. shows in the U.S. and Europe, and multiple world tours. With his new album 'Synthesis', Midon will take to the road for a cross-country solo tour kicking off April 27 at the Roxy in LA. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |