Biography
Born and raised in Richmond, California, smooth jazz guitarist Ray Obiedo often journeyed as a youngster to nearby San Francisco, where he absorbed complimentary performances by the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream. He waited until age 17 before taking up the instrument, while absorbing strong inspiration from James Brown, Miles Davis, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Early on, Obiedo moved fluidly between jazz and R&B, collaborating with Herbie Hancock, Julian Priester, and Sheila E.; he also fronted the fusion ensemble Kick and the rock group Rhythmus 21. Following his signing with Windham Hill, he issued his first solo album, 1989’s Perfect Crime, then delivered Iguana two years afterward. The 1993 release Sticks and Stones placed him in the Top Ten of Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts. Zulaya appeared in 1995 and carried African influences, after which Sweet Summer Days surfaced in 1997. In 1999 Obiedo shifted to the Domo label and unveiled Modern World, which blended R&B, pop, and Latin jazz.
Albums
