San Francisco Bay Area guitarist/composer Ray Obiedo lays down a very sweet groove with a cast of excellent musicians who are tight, inventive, fluid and tasteful. His tenth album emphasizes his artistic vision of presenting highly arranged smooth jazz with infectious pop and effervescent Latin colorings. His contemporary approach focuses on soundscapes that blend his elegant guitar and some keyboard work with imaginative support from the likes of Bob Mintzer (tenor sax), Norbert Stachel (flute), Mike Olmos (trumpet), Peter Horvath (piano) and others. Percussionists Peter Michael Escovedo and Sheila E. are prominently featured on compositions like “Criss Cross” and “Still Life,” and a few other favorite tracks include “Santa Lucia” and “Uno Dos” with Phil Hawkins’ steel pans, and the more laid-back “Belafonte” featuring vocalists Lilan Kane, Sandy Cressman and Jenny Meltzer. Like his last four albums, Obiedo’s Latin Jazz Project Vol. 2 was recorded at his Werewolf Recording Studio in the Oakland, Ca. His direction, along with a solidly defined sound played by high-caliber disciplined musicians, result in a relaxing set full of artistic expression.    (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)