“Ray Obiedo
with his strings continues to mark an invigorating rhythm and disturbing
trend
towards the Latin Jazz, now opens a new sequence in his successful race with
Latin Jazz Project Vol. 1”. Luis Raul Montell - Jazz Caribe
The CD:
Latin Jazz Project Vol. 1
Ray Obiedo
Tracks:
1. Picadillo; 2. Coral Keys; 3. Caravan; 4. Vera Cruz; 5. St. Thomas; 6. Cubo Azul; 7. Child's Dance; 8. Santa Cruz; 9. Southern Side; 10. Sabor; 11. Cool for Now
Ray Obiedo:
"Latin Jazz Project Vol. 1" on Rhythmus Records, is the 8th release
by the Bay Area guitarist and composer. This project is a collection of Latin
Jazz standards, including three of Obiedo's original compositions. Obiedo
enlisted some of the music industries top musicians and longtime co-horts for
the project. Percussionist Sheila E., Yellowjackets reed man Bob Mintzer,
flutists Elena Pinderhughes and Roger Glenn, trumpeter Ray Vega, timbale master
Orestes Vilató, percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo and vocalist Sandy
Cressman all make significant appearances. Santana members David K. Mathews,
Karl Perazzo and Jeff Cressman also contribute their expertise. This Latin Jazz
collection also features sax and flute player Norbert Stachell, steel pan player
Phil Hawkins, pianist Peter Horvath, and brothers Marc and Paul van Wageningen
on bass and drums. Ray has 5 previous releases on the Windham Hill jazz label.
This is his second release on his Oakland-based Rhythmus Records label. The
music on Ray's Latin jazz project is a highly-energized and hypnotically
rhythmic soundscape revealing all the passion, flavor, color and style of the
San Francisco Bay Area which conceived, nourished and inspired Obiedo's latest
musical venture.
The album cover seems to indicate "here is the House of Latin Jazz"...
Ray Obiedo's Upcoming Shows:
07/01/2017 San Rafael/California Fenix/Ray Obiedo & Friends
07/02/2107 San Francisco /California Fillmore Jazz Fest/Linda Tillery
07/15/2017 Oakland/California Yoshi's/Pete Escovedo Orchestra
07/16/2017 Oakland/California Yoshi's/Pete Escovedo Orchestra
07/29/2017 Oakland/California Sound Room/Ray Obiedo Group
08/12/2017 San Jose/California San Jose Jazz Summer Fest/ Ray Obiedo
Group
Ray Obiedo Notes:
Never has
contemporary jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo's genuine lifelong affection for the San
Francisco Bay Area's unique musical personality has been more clearly evident
or remarkably celebrated than in his newest CD "Latin Jazz Project Vol
1", released nationwide on the Rhythmus Records label.
Even as a
child growing up in the East Bay, Obiedo recognized his own profoundly soulful
musical connection to the Northern California region and its eclectic blend of
exotic multi-ethnic rhythms. Small wonder indeed, many years and successful
albums later. Ray has steadily emerged as one of the most expressive and
exciting contemporary jazz talents of the decade with a delightfully distinct
Bay Area flavor, thoroughly marinating his personal jazz signature and
nationwide festival performances.
"Among
my favorite childhood memories," Obiedo recalls while relaxing at his
self-owned Werewolf Recording Studios in the Oakland Hills, were those numerous
trips across the bay to places like the Fillmore Auditorium & Winterland
Auditorium to hear some of the greatest rock bands in The world. Everyone from
Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, to the great Isaac Hayes and Sly Stone.
It was exciting, inspirational and vibrantly alive. For musicians interested in
exploring and creating new sounds, it was absolutely the place to be.
Although
Obiedo did not begin studying guitar until his last year in high school, the
deep jazz influences of artist like Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery, and Antonio
Carlos Jobin had already intricately woven into his musical soul. Even the raw
soul of the great James Brown became an indelible component of Obiedo's musical
signature.
The Obiedo
became totally focused on mastering his instrument and learning the craft of
songwriting throughout the 70's and 80's, brightly promising career as a
professional jazz artist began taking form. His reputation for musical
excellence and creative performance was quickly becoming acknowledged and
respected throughout his beloved Bay Area music community.
Johnny
"Hammond" Smith, trombonist Julian Priester, Azteca featuring Pete
& Sheila Escovedo, Fourplays' Harvey Mason. A world tour in 1978-79 with
jazz superstar Herbie Hancock is still one of Ray's most treasured musical
memories.
Ray found
time in between his stints as a man to lead such popular local bands as the
fusion ensemble Kick (featuring a very young Sheila E. on drums and longtime
Sonny Rollins pianist Mark Soskin) and the funk-rock group Rhythmus 21 which
showcased many Of the Bay Area's leading singers.
As a
session player, Ray's guitar work has been nicely presented on albums by
artists as diverse as Lou Rawls, George Duke, Brenda Russell, Herbie Hancock,
Sheila E & the E Train, Freda Payne, The Whispers, The Delfonics as well as
solo Albums by jazz trumpeter Eddie Henderson, former Yellowjackets'
saxophonist Marc Russo and Meters drummer Zigaboo Modeliste. Grover Washington
Jr's last hit cover of the classic single "Soulful Strut".
Eventually
launching his own solo recording career on the Windham Hill Jazz label, Obiedo
recorded in less than five contemporary jazz albums over the next few years to
steadily increasing levels of critical praise and commercial success.
Beginning
with his debut CD "Perfect Crime", through "Iguana",
"Sticks & Stones", "Zulaya" and "Sweet Summer
Days", Obiedo has consistently remained loyal to his rhythm and blues
roots while also sharpening his Afro-funk instincts And highlighting his
natural flair for utterly infectious pop and Latin / Brasilian grooves. As a
result, he has both discovered and cultivated the fiercely devoted
international following.
Typical of
Obiedo's album successes was his "Sticks & Stones" CD which
peaked at No. 7 on Billboard's contemporary jazz chart and remained in the top
25 for more than 10 weeks. It also scored high on No. 5 on the Radio &
Records N A C chart and the Gavin Report adult alternative chart in addition to
placing in the Top 20 on the Gavin Report.
Currently
appearing with Obiedo on his latest release "Latin Jazz Project Vol
1" are a number of all-star jazz luminaries including the Yellowjackets'
Bob Mintzer, percussionist Sheila E, flautist Elena Pinderhughes, master
timbalero Orestes Vilato, trumpeter Ray Vega and current Santana Members
percussionist Karl Perazzo and keyboardist David K Mathews.
Like one of
his idols Henry Mancini, Obiedo's music has found it's way to the silver
screen. Ray has contributed source music to major motion pictures
"Internal Affairs" starring Richard Gere and "A Shock to the
System" starring Michael Caine. Ray also collaborated with singer /
songwriter Teresa Trull for the soundtrack to Nicloe Conn's "Claire of the
Moon". Obi-Wan and Pete Escovedo Orchestra, Marion Meadows, Linda Tillery,
guitarist Bruce Forman, Master Funk Drummer David Garibaldi and The Whispers,
Tower of Power, Andy Narell, Sheila E Percussionist Bill Summers.
In recent
years, Ray has concentrated heavily on his production / engineering skills. In
addition to producing his own album projects, he has produced and engineered a
variety of major and released CD's. Obiedo co-produced guitarist Joyce
Cooling's 1997's highly successful "Playing it Cool" for Heads Up
Records, keyboardist Tom Grant's "Tune It In" for Windhill Jazz
Records and saxophonist Marion Meadows' "Next To You". His most
recent co-production and engineering credits included Amikaeyla's "Being
in Love" featuring bass superstar Esperanza Spalding.
Recent tour
as a sideman included in 2012 U.S. With Still Black, Still Proud "An
African Tribute to James Brown" featuring Maceo Parker, Pee Wee Ellis,
Vusi Mahasela and Cheikh Lo.
"Time
is absolutely one of the most precious and valuable luxuries in the recording
industry," Obiedo explains, "and without question, the greatest
advantage of owning my own studio is having all the time I need to make sure
each and every track is Close to perfection as possible. That is simply not
possible under other circumstances, when time spent in a studio can very
quickly and easily become prohibitively expensive. Unfortunately, creative
decisions are made based on economic considerations rather than musical ones. Albums
produced in that fashion may be fiscally expedient, but they are not
necessarily a accurate reflection of the artist's musical vision. "
His last
four CDs, "Sweet Summer Days", "Modern World", "There
Goes That" and "Latin Jazz Project Vol 1" were recorded at
Obiedo's Werewolf Recording Facilities in the Oakland Hills. It's the primary
reason Ray feels more excited than ever about his future recording.
Indeed, the
world of contemporary jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo is a highly energized and
hypnotically rhythmic soundscape revealing all the passion, flavor, color, and
style of the Northern California region which conceived, nourished and inspired
the musical soul of this fascinating and prolific jazz artist .
Now we will enjoy the convoy of Pete Escovedo having as special guest Ray Obiedo:
¡¡Viva The Latin Jazz!!
www.rayobiedo.com
www.jazzcaribe.blogspot.com jazzcaribe@hotmail.com
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario