Latin Jazz Project: Vol. 2
Rhythums, 2021
8/10
Listen to Latin Jazz Project: Vol. 2
The guitarist and composer Ray Obiedo brings us 9 originals and 1 cover here, where themes of Latin sounds surround the jazz and R&B leanings, as a large handful of musicians lend their inimitable talents to the diverse outing.
“Still Life” starts the album with playful drumming, warm guitar lines and soothing brass that glides with much rhythm, and this formula continues to the playful “Criss Cross”, which welcomes Sheila E. on congas as David K. Matthews provides a piano solo in the mambo and fusion spirit.
Halfway through, “Santa Lucia” brings Caribbean flavor to the crisp musicianship that makes great use of steel drums, while “Belafonte” recruits a romantic feeling amid bossa nods that benefits from Lilan Kane’s dreamy pipes and Norbert Stachel’s airy flute.
Getting near the end, the always impressive Bob Mintzer displays his tenor sax skills on the funk friendly Cuban influences, and “Big World” exits the listen with Sheila E. offering a conga solo and Mike Olmos on flugelhorn in the 6/8 time finish that illustrates incredible interplay between the many musicians.
This is Obiedo’s 10th album as a leader, and he plays guitar and sometimes keyboards on every track. It’s pieced together with selections recorded pre-pandemic, during lockdown and even online, and together they flow together seamlessly, as the many noise makers in attendance make for a top notch project in the area of cultured jazz.
Travels well with: Antonio Adolfo- Jobim Forever; Franceso Amenta- Midtown Walk