Guitarist Ray Obiedo new CD Latin Jazz Vol. 1 + next presentations since tomorrow 07/01/17

“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

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