Modern World
This San Francisco-based guitarist has a special skill in adding world-beat touches to a smooth-jazz mix, andModern Worldpercolates to a heady blend of funk and Latin beats. Obiedo has added several percussionists--Pete Escovedoand 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 saxophonistsBob Mintzerand 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