Raul Midon - Synthesis

"I wanted to get back to organic recording,” says acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist Raul Midon of his forthcoming third album Synthesis, just out now internationally and arriving stateside April 13 (Decca). “We did more programming on the last record, and I wanted the new album to feature real musicians playing. So it’s guitars, bass, drums, vocals, and not a lot of effects.” Working with noted producer/bassist Larry Klein (Joni Mitchell, Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot), Midon leads a crack studio band -- including Steely Dan guitarist Dean Parks - through Synthesis' diverse mix of neo-soul and and jazzy folk/pop tracks that smartly highlight Midon's songwriting skills as much as his famed percussive guitar style.

 Songs such as the sly funky workout "Don't Take It That Way", featuring a slinky, stuttered beat and Parks' unique guitar fretwork, and the lovely Latin-tinged ballad "Bonnie's Song" bring a newly found depth to an artist who has turned heads primarily with his novel playing style. Klein, as always, surrounds Midon with a lush but understated production backdrop, allowing the singer - and "mouth horn" soloist (listen to "Bonnie's Song" for a demo) - a chance to dress up his material in an elegant, well-fitted ensemble of gifted players. Watch the fascinating EPK after the jump. Recommended.

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Raul Midon - "Don't Take It That Way" (from the album Synthesis)

Raul Midon - "Bonnie's Song" (from the album Synthesis)