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Ray Obiedo

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 last three decades 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 and Cream 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, and Fourplay drummer 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 Escovedo 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 vocalists and instrumentals.

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, jazz trumpeter Eddie Henderson, former Yellowjackets’ saxophonist Marc Russo, former Meter’s drummer Zigaboo Modeliste as well as album projects by Freda Payne, The Whispers and The Delfonics. 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”.

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Album Review

Yvonne Flores: Sheer Bliss

Read "Sheer Bliss" reviewed by Edward Blanco


The debut album from Bay Area vocalist and composer Yvonne Flores, Sheer Bliss is musical magic from a wonderful singer armed with a sensuous voice and is sure to grab critical attention. The album contains seven original sand two standards in an offering of contemporary jazz and pop with a touch of the Latin and Brazilian flavors. Flores draws upon the talents of eighteen players with several heavy hitters among them. Latin jazz guitarist and producer of this ...

3
Album Review

Ray Obiedo: Latin Jazz Project Vol. 2

Read "Latin Jazz Project Vol. 2" reviewed by Richard J Salvucci


Sometimes it is difficult to banish the words of Ecclesiastes from your mind when listening to a recording: “There is no new thing under the Sun." While that may be true of music in particular--one builds on the past, just as in other fields--it is no good reason for not listening or for simple indifference. Gerald Wilson's “Viva Tirado" has been around since the 1970s, and Wilson himself has been quoted as being once surprised by hearing the El Chicano ...

3
Album Review

Ray Obiedo: Latin Jazz Project Vol.2

Read "Latin Jazz Project Vol.2" reviewed by Pierre Giroux


There is a train of thought which proposes that the beginnings of the modern Latin jazz movement originated with the co-mingling of mambo and bebop. Although there is no empirical evidence to support this proposition, the uptake of the Latin style by boppers such as Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and Herbie Mann gives some credence to the notion. The music presented by guitarist Ray Obiedo in Latin Jazz Project Vol. 2, while grounded in the Latin jazz construct, is delivered ...

395
Live Review

7 Mile House Jazz Festival 2018

Read "7 Mile House Jazz Festival 2018" reviewed by Walter Atkins


7 Mile House Jazz Festival 2018 7 Mile HouseBrisbane CA March 17, 2018 The inaugural 7 Mile House Jazz Festival was a jammed pack event featuring invigorating music running from noon to mid night on St. Patrick's Day. Sitting exactly seven miles south of San Francisco's Portsmouth Square, the historic (and sometimes notorious) 1858 spot had many music fans skipping the traditional St. Patrick's Festival in the City's downtown area to enjoy an extensive line ...

603
Album Review

Ray Obiedo: There Goes That

Read "There Goes That" reviewed by Walter Atkins


Noted guitarist Ray Obiedo's There Goes That (Rhythmus Records) is his first album since 1999's Modern World (Domo Records). Over his 4 decades plus career, Obeido has worked with an impressive Who's Who List of musicians including: Herbie Hancock, Bobbi Humphrey, George Duke, The Whispers, Brenda Russell, Pete Escovedo, Grover Washington, Jr., The Rippingtons and Lou Rawls; along with San Francisco Bay Area favorites Tower of Power and Grammy winner Pacific Mambo Orchestra. Band leader Obiedo has traveled ...

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Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Sheer Bliss

Cristabel Records
2022

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Latin Jazz Project...

Rhythmus Records
2021

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Latin Jazz Project...

Rhythmus Records
2021

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Latin Jazz Project ...

Rhythmus Records
2016

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There Goes That

Rhythmus Records
2015

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