Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Richard Pena: Hey, Don Rey!

Richard Pena: Hey, Don Rey!

By Jim Olin
July 12, 2019
View read count

Puerto Rico-based composer/guitarist Richard Peña may be well-versed in Latin jazz but he isn't afraid to venture beyond the genre. Peña has a passion for setting the bar higher. With every release, he explores something new. On Hey, Don Rey!, Peña investigates post-bop and fusion sounds.

What is most impressive about Peña's playing style is that while it is intricate, he is not like those guitarists who are only technical for the sake of being technical. He "speaks to the soul."

Peña minutely dictates the dynamics of the tracks, igniting his music with clever melodic phrases and imbuing it with brio and vitality. He makes music which feels honest and fun. This is a record that is meant to move listeners, giving a deep sonic experience.

The musicianship on the album is impeccable and so is the production, which also helped Peña take the LP to the next level. Peña is an artist to watch, not just in the Latin jazz community but jazz in general.

Track Listing

Hey, Don Rey!; En Casa de Cukin; Friendo y Comiendo; Colores; Irmaría; Lo Que Dejó; Passageways.

Personnel

Richard Pena

guitar

Richard Peña: guitar; Jonathan Acevedo: tenor sax; Emanuel Rivera: piano; Jesus Colon: bass; William Garcia: drums; Orlando Castillo: percussion.

Album information

Title: Hey, Don Rey! | Year Released: 2019 | Record Label: Self Produced

PREVIOUS / NEXT

Reis-Demuth-Wiltgen Trio in Ancona S...
< Previous

Barry Mayo Reframed: From Radio Mog...
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.