I’ve been googling Raul and he performs with artists like Jason Mraz and Indie Arie.

Check out this youtube clip of Raul and Indie;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=355rFCfDsRE&feature=related

I love the top comment “talent recognizes talent!”

btw - he is obviously renowned for his vocal ‘trumpet’ solos, check out the solo at 3.48 minutes in the clip.

Everything you have shared has been on the button, right down to ‘not being resentful about the day job’ as it does give so many inspiring song ideas…and yes…allows finance for those valuable musical purchases!

Now I pop in hear to be inspired further, and also read your comment on Donny Hathaway. My man (who I revere as a musician) has the same opinion - he also personally prefers Donny’s tone to Marvin’s.

I’m sure it’s Donny that Amy Winehouse refers to in her song ‘Rehab’…”there’s nothing you can’t teach me, that I can’t learn from Mr Hathaway”.

I’ve recently been enjoying learning Amy’s material for our covers band.

You know what Shamir… I used to be resentful over performing covers every week for the past 12 years, but now I am thankful that I am able to assimilate all those great artists’ songs with my own emerging style. I may have been singing for 12 years but I’m really only starting to really ‘get it’.

I have song I’ve written called ” Dreaming of Her”. I don’t write scores are use any instruments, I just get this melody and yada yada in a recorder. Then I just set dowm an write the words to the song. All my music is ocapela ( is that spelled right) and I sing it in church service. My songs are secular, but with a flavor of spiritual. The only way I can do this is with a head set micro phone, as my computor skills are limited. I just need someone professional to let me know if this is any good.
I won’t bother any, just this one post. I just need to know if this song is any good. I had this dream where 3 ladies in white were singing to me and when I woke up I yada yada in a recoreder and wrote the words the next day.
Here are the words.

There’s a wonder a building
There’s a song to fullfill
A story about loving
A heart wound to seal

Is there one who is lonely
Is she dreaming of me
I pray tears to sweet jesus
That someday we’ll meet

(Chorus)

Oh father in heaven I’m lonely
You see how my heart still bleeds
I’m sorry with you I’m still lonely
Like Adam I still need my Eve

There’s a girl in the shadow
And I need her embrace
The night times are not easy
I dream of such grace

As I walk in the city
Could this smile be the one
Is their love in the window
Her heart be my sun

(Chorus)

Everday that I miss her
Is a day of unrest
Every love has a reason
And it’s always a test

Now if you find your true love
They give purpose in strife
Put your heart on their finger
Ask’em to be your life

(Chorus)

(Chorus)!

I’m dreaming of herrrrr!!! herrrr!! herrrrr
Yes I’m dreaming of her

Thanks and keep it coming
we need you!

Michael