Ray Obiedo - Modern World (1999)

2008 album from one of San Francisco's premier Jazz guitarists. Displaying his exceptional talent for fusing Urban Jazz with Brazilian Funk and dynamic Caribbean rhythms, Ray has developed a very unique and distinctive guitar style. His reputation for musical excellence, versatility and raw rhythmic creativity has earned him countless sessions with Herbie Hancock, George Duke and Rodney Franklin. Modern World delivers a delightfully uplifting homage to his R&B roots with generous excerpts of his trademark Latin-Jazz grooves that will satisfy virtually every Jazz lover. 10 tracks. Domo.

This San Francisco-based guitarist has a special skill in adding world-beat touches to a smooth-jazz mix, and Modern World percolates to a heady blend of funk and Latin beats. Obiedo has added several percussionists--Pete Escovedo and Michael Spiro among them--to his programmed drumbeats to create a novel blend of techno and authentic Caribbean vibes. It provides a terrific backdrop for his own guitar improvisations, as well as fueling some fine work by saxophonists Bob Mintzer and Norbert Stachel. There's passion aplenty here, whether the music is warm and languid, as on "Slow Hot Wind" or heated, as on "Sunset." --Adam Rains