Ray Obiedo: There Goes That

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, Peter Michael 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 and performed extensively all over the world with his distinctive East Bay Sound. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he is particularly proud of his Richmond CA roots. For this project, he composed, arranged, recorded, mixed and edited all the tracks at his Werewolf Recording. He named it after a visiting dog-shy singer who nervously referred to his pet German Sheppard as a "werewolf" years ago. The accomplished artist has surrounded himself with old and new friends including Pete Escovedo, Sheila E., Peter Michael Escovedo, and Nicolas Bearde.

Mr. Obiedo's fluid guitar starts off the opening track "Southern Side," and David K. Mathews' keyboard work sparkles here. The horn arrangements flow and complement the song. There is a lush percussive foundation of Afro Latin polyrhythms that permeates the entire record.

The breezy vocals on "Fayola' provided by Sandy Cressman, Sandy Griffith, and Bearde float comfortably on the swinging cadence of the composition. Jeff Narell's steel pan playing contributes to the island feel of the song."Werewolf" kicks off with a strong rhythmic introduction and Kenny Garrett 's soprano sax solo gives it extra lift. The Latin syncopation also pulses throughout the track. "Small Fortune" suggests a samba and delivers some solid Wes Montgomery inspired guitar licks to go with flute and mellow horn charts.

"There Goes That" the title track, has some nice tenor and alto sax play that weaves around Obeido's intriguing guitar work. This is all supported again by the sinewy rhythms that are happily prevalent throughout all of the composer's tunes here.

"Ten Thirty" is another number that suggests different themes like a bit of guitar funk, then slides into some Miles Davis with Bill Ortiz 's muted trumpet fills. It's a subtle funk, fusion and Latin blend adeptly written and executed by Obiedo and band. The titles "Four Square," "Avila," "Somebody" and "Almost Certain" provide more pleasing Latin/jazz lushness and help to round out the ten-song disc.

There Goes That incorporates guitarist Ray Obiedo's remarkable Latin/funk/jazz artistry with his keen writing, arranging and producer skills. Hopefully, we won't have to wait so long for the next sample of his seasoned brand of the East Bay Sound.

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