Raul Midón Combines His Latin and Jazz Backgrounds for 'Sunshine (I Can Fly)': Exclusive

Raul Midón's background is an elaborate tapestry of influences. 

Born in New Mexico, the Grammy-nominated songwriter is of Argentinian and African American descent. He’s been a Latin session singer for icons like Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Johnny Mathis and studied jazz at the University of Miami.

“Sunshine” (I Can Fly)" from his upcoming album, If You Really Want, is a summation of influences that have shown themselves throughout Midón's career. It’s a building, twisting track that makes it way through bright and colorful horns and is held together by the singer’s pristine voice. The Netherlands-based Metropole Orkest, one of the leading European jazz orchestras, contributes here under the direction of Vince Mendoza. 

Midón spoke about the track, which is premiering below on Billboard, and expanded on its ideas.

"The recording of this song sums up most of my influences,” he said. “Latin and jazz sounds, call and response, exuberant improvisation, and it builds all the way to the end!”

If You Really Want follows Midón's previous record, Badass and Blind, and is due out Sept. 14 via Artistry music, a Mack Ave Records label. Presale for the album is available here.

Stream “Sunshine (I Can Fly)” and check out Midón's tour dates below.

Aug. 28 - Elat, Israel @ Red Sea Jazz Festival

Aug. 30 - London, UK @ Ronnie Scott’s

Sept.10 - Tokyo- Japan @ Blue Note

Sept. 12 - Melbourne, AUS @ Bird’s Basement

Sept. 20/21 - Beijing, China @ Blue Note

Sept. 29 - Newark, NJ @ NJPAC

Octo. 11- Largo, MD @ Central Park Performing Arts Center

Oct. 12 - Bethesda, MD @ AMP Strathmore

Oct. 13 -  Rehoboth Beach, DE @ Epworth Rehoboth Beach

Oct. 19 - Pleasanton, CA @ Firehouse Arts Center

Oct. 21 - San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brew

Nov. 1 - Seattle, WA @ Triple Door

Nov. 2 - Denver, CO @ Dazzle Jazz

Nov. 3 - Albuquerque, NM @ KiMo Theater

Nov. 9 - Las Vegas, NV @ Smith Center

Nov. 16 - Prescott, AZ @ Yavapai College Performing Center

Nov. 17- Chandler, AZ @ Chandler Center for the Arts

Nov. 30 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Yardbird Suite

Dec. 1 - Winnipeg, CA @ Berney Theatre

Dec. 7 - Wichita, KS @ Grumpy Old Men Fundraiser

Dec. 27-30 - NYC @ Jazz Standard

Jan. 17 - Fort Lauderdale, FL @ Capital Jazz SuperCruise

Jan. 26 - South Bend, IN @ DeBartolo Performing Arts

Feb. 2/9 -  Fort Lauderdale, FL @ The Smooth Jazz Cruise

Feb. 15 - Park Forest, IL @ Freedom Hall

Feb. 16. - Des Moines, IA @ Temple Theatre

Feb.23/March 2 - Fort Lauderdale, FL @The Smooth Jazz Cruise

March 23 - Freiburg, Germany @ Private Party

March 28 - Saint- Martin des Champs, France @ Espace du Roudour

March 29 - Bois-Colombes, France @ Salle Jean Renoir

March 30 - Brugieres, France @ Le Bascala

March 31- Saint-Arnoult en Yvelines, France @ TBD

April 3 - Elyria, OH @ Stocker Center for the Arts

April 9 - Boulogne Billancourt, France @ Carre Belle Feuille

April 12 - Penmarch, France @ Salle Cap Caval

June 15 - Davie, FL @ Bailey Hall