Don’t expect the same old set when guitarist Raul Midón plays the Rialto Theatre on Saturday.
The talented guitarist, known just as much for backing artists such as Shakira and Alejandro Sanz as he is for his solo efforts, uses his time on stage to sharpen his skills.
“I don’t like to play the same thing every night,” Midón said in an interview from the road. “It cheats me out of making it interesting and it cheats the audience out of a good show.”
Blind from infancy, Midón’s music has always been about experimentation.
His father, an interpreter of traditional folk dances from his native Argentina, played a significant role in Midón’s musical development.
“As soon as he saw I was interested in guitar, he got me lessons,” Midón said. “We listened to a lot of music in a very serious and focused way when I was growing up.”
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His natural skills and drive propelled Midón through intensive music programs in New Mexico and then at the University of Miami, where he honed his technique and became a rising star in the college’s elite jazz program.
The training led to session work with the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Jose Feliciano and Sanz.
Midón eventually moved to New York City to pursue a solo career. It was during his time in the Big Apple that he hit his stride.
He worked and wrote songs with iconic New York producer and DJ, Little Louie Vega. Around that time, Midón signed with Manhattan Records and released his signature album, “State of Mind” in 2005.
Midón continues to create.
His upcoming release, “Don’t Hesitate,” due out on Tuesday, is a milestone release for the musician, marking his first attempt at working both in front of the mic and behind the scenes.
Using special software for the visually impaired, Midón engineered the project in his basement studio in suburban Maryland.
“I like to say I built the album from the bottom up in a way I haven’t done for any other record,” Midón said. “For me, that makes it special.”
Midón said that he always had an interest in the production aspect of making music.
“It is like working with another instrument,” he said. “When you make a recording, the audio space the instruments are in is a part of your art.”
The 14-track release moves flawlessly through a series of mostly original songs, incorporating jazz, R&B and Latin elements.
Midón surprises with an interpretation of The Who’s “I Can See for Miles.”
“I enjoy that song’s universal characteristics,” he said. “It was a heavy time for music when it came out. Everybody was gunning for the stars.”
Along for the ride on “Don’t Hesitate” are a number of guest artists, including vocalists Dianne Reeves, Lizz Wright, jazz bassist Marcus Miller and Bill Withers, who worked with Midón on the track “Mi Amigo Cubano.”
Midón said he and Withers are good pals.
“We got along as soon as we met,” he said. “I can call him up anytime.”
Midón said creating his own album allowed him the freedom to take risks.
“I don’t like people telling me what I can and can’t do,” he said. “This way, there is nobody else to blame for anything.”
