Sierra Mountain Times

Star of R&B/Soul to Open for Jason Mraz at Ironstone!

Anyone familiar with the R&B/soul sounds of the ‘80s and ‘90s will remember Raphael Saadiq – formerly known at Raphael Wiggins! Alongside his brother, Dwayne and cousin, Timothy Christian Riley, Raphael was lead singer and bassist in the very popular group Tony! Toni! Tone’! He then went on to become a star as a solo singer/songwriter/musician/producer/arranger! Friday night, August 28, Raphael will open for Jason Mraz at the Ironstone Amphitheatre; and Mraz couldn’t have gotten a better opener that Raphael!

From 1988 to 1996, Tony! Toni! Tone’ produced four great albums, much to the credit of Raphael! Rolling Stone Magazine affirmed that when it said, “Raphael’s high tenor glides as smoothly and confidently as his songwriting!” Raphael is so talented that – even before he formed “Tony! Toni! Tone’!” he was invited to join Prince and Sheila E. on their 1984 “Parade” World Tour! Born in Oakland, CA, Rafael was one of 14 children reared in a musical family. Although his father worked at a Naval Air Station, he also sang and played guitar. His mother sang in church. “Well, my uncle, everybody in my family came from the South, Louisiana; and everybody pretty much sang and played music around the house! But nobody ever really tried to do it as a profession. We did have a lot of great influence from my older brother, Randy. He was probably one of my biggest inspirations as far as singing,“ Raphael recalled as he spoke in an exclusive interview with the Sierra Mountain Times. Raphael’s webpage calls him a “Standard bearer of old school music…a contemporary artist continuing a time-honored tradition that goes back to the ‘60s and ‘70s!….Every record I’ve ever made has had those influences…the Temptations, Al Green, the Four Tops, and so on….” In 2002, Raphael released his much-anticipated first solo album, titled “Instant Vintage”.  With this “soul-infused” CD, Raphael made history! He became the first artist nominated for five Grammy Awards without having a major label deal! “It was great to be honored like that, though I’m not really big on award,” Raphael admitted. “To me, the reward is: you make the music, and you see people moving and dancing and having a great time! Awards are great, but awards can’t clap their hands.” In 2004, Raphael released the critically acclaimed “Ray Ray”, and now, his new release, “The Way I See It,” is a critically acclaimed, 3-time Grammy-nominated gem “showcasing the rich diversity of funky grooves and smooth balladry that is Saadiq’s calling card!” Saadiq’s page also describes his performances thusly, “While other contemporary artists may attempt to emulate the sound and flavor of ‘70s soul music, Saadiq brings real emotion, real feeling and production values that are – to borrow a phrase from said decade – ‘right on!’ When asked what he considers his “signature song”, Rafael described two! “If it’s from my newest stuff, I would say “Love That Girl”. It has some chivalry to it, like if someone’s singing ‘My Guy’ or ‘My Girl’; about somebody’s who’s been really good to you!  If I picked a “signature song” from the past, like when I was with Tony! Toni! Tone’!, I would probably say “Anniversary”. It’s about surprising your significant other on that special day! You know, I’m still not married, and people ask ‘Why did you write a song like that? You’re not married!’ I say, ‘Hey, you write a song for other people! I’ll sing at least one of those songs Friday night!” Raphael assured. He’s never been to the Mother Lode, but he’s looking forward to it! “I’ve never been there before – even from the Bay Area, I’ve never been up there (to the Mother Lode) before. But I can’t wait! I’m really excited! I’m looking forward to a lot of fresh air when I get there, ‘cause I live in L.A. right now, and it’s very smoggy. I just hope to have a real good time; and I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to be in front of so many new people, a new audience! Getting ready to have a great time! Clap your hands!” Yes, indeed! Everybody, clap your hands and welcome Raphael Saadiq!