Vocalist/guitarist Midón has mined a rich seam as a solo artist, building a large international fanbase by way of excellent solo performances since his 2005 breakout State Of Mind. But this collaboration with one of Europe’s most progressive orchestras, Metropole, casts him in a new light, which should do nothing other than enhance his artistic credibility. Blessed with a stirring, soulful voice and smart rhythm-guitar technique, Midón is much more than another of the world’s many Stevie Wonder wannabes. Much of the material is cast in the latin-tinged soul that is one of Midón’s trademarks, and his handling of the songs is typically assured. Vince Mendoza’s presence is a major selling point and his scores have all the verve one has come to expect from an arranger of his stature. While the album has some good new tunes it is the reprise of what has become Midón’s signature, ‘Sunshine’, that provides the key moment. The interplay of Midón’s licks and the strings and horns is tasteful, embellishing rather than overwhelming the song’s core. Stylistically, Midón still invites comparison with an earlier role model, Jose Feliciano, but his repertoire and execution are that of an artist who has set his own very high standards of artistry.