Jazz at the House

Ray Obiedo & The Latin Jazz Ensemble

Never has contemporary jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo’s genuine lifelong affection for the San Francisco Bay Area’s unique musical personality 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 the most originally 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 didn’t begin seriously 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 been intricately woven into his musical soul. Even the raw soul of the great James Brown became an indelible component of Obiedo’s musical signature.

As 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.

Obiedo was soon performing with many of the jazz community’s most celebrated stars including legendary jazz organist 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 side 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. It was also Obiedo’s memorable guitar solo that so sweetly highlighted sax star 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 and released no less than five contemporary jazz albums over the following few years to steadily increasing levels of critical praise and commercial success.

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