The ninth release by Bay Area guitarist/composer Ray Obiedo, Carousel on Rhythmus Records, is another collection of original compositions fused with Contemporary Jazz, Latin and Brasilian-styled rhythms. His eclectic groove-oriented compositions never stray far from his love of R&B. The melodies are simply stated, and gracefully glide over jazz influenced chord structures. Obiedo enlisted some of the music industries top musicians and longtime cohorts for the project. Santana members David K. Mathews and Karl Perazzo contribute their expertise. Percussionist Peter Michael Escovedo, steel pan master Andy Narell and Tower of Power drummer Dave Garibaldi all make appearances. Harmonica master Toots Thielemans is featured on "Song for Jules". Yellowjacket's saxophonist Bob Mintzer appears on two tracks, "Jinx" and "Modern World". Carousel also features reed player Norbert Stachel, steel pan player Phil Hawkins, pianist Peter Horvath and trumpeter Mike Olmos. Obiedo has 5 previous releases on the Windham Hill Jazz label. This is his third release on his own Oakland-based Rhythmus Records label. The music on "Carousel" is a highly energized and hypnotically rhythmic soundscape, revealing all the passion, flavor, color and style of the San Francisco Bay Area which conceived, nourished and inspired Obiedo's latest musical venture.
