Oscar Penas

“The music will certainly leave the listener with a joyful and playful feeling; Peñas’ focus on making good heartfelt music is a breath of fresh air.” JazzTimes.

Barcelona-born guitarist, arranger, and composer Oscar Peñas was already a widely respected figure on the international jazz scene before settling in New York City a decade ago. Since then, he's genuinely blossomed, creating a singular body of work that weaves together elements of jazz, Spanish folk music, and the European classical tradition.

He often works with unorthodox instrumentation, he doesn't blend disparate influences so much as stitch them together with an internal emotional logic. Peñas established a vital new voice in New York with two critically hailed albums, most recently 2014's Music of Departures and Returns featuring Gil Goldstein, Paquito D'Rivera, and Esperanza Spalding. His latest project Almadraba, inspired by the ancient sustainable fishing practices in Andalusia, featured bass legend Ron Carter and premiered in 2018 at the BAM Next Wave Festival.

A major league talent with a capacious musical imagination, Peñas embodies the limitless promise of jazz's global reach.

Awards

South Arts Jazz Road 2022 grantee Mid Atlantic USAI 2021 grantee 20th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, Jazz, Finalist 2015 11th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards), Finalist 2015 14th Annual Independent Music Awards, Jazz Instrumental Song, Finalist 2015 19th Annual USA Songwriting Competition, Instrumental Jazz, Finalist 2014 ASCAP Plus Award, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012 Professional Music Achievement Award, Berklee College of Music, 1999 Printed feature articles: Guitar Player, Downbeat, Jazziz, JazzTimes, Smithsonian, All About Jazz, ASCAP Audio Portraits, Chicago Hoy, El Nuevo Dia, Puerto Rico, La Vanguardia, Avui, El Periódico de Cataluña. Radio: WBGO, WPTZ-News Channel 5, WNYC-Soundcheck, The Phoenix-WNYU, Via Lluire-Rac1, L’Home del Jazz-RNE4, Sonideros-RNE3, Radio Rebelde, Radio Marti, TSFJazz, Radio France - Open Jazz - France Musique, Abu Dhabi Classic FM, JAZZ.FM91- Canada.

Oscar Penas: Music Of Departures And Returns

Read "Music Of Departures And Returns" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
May 3, 2014

In putting together his fourth album, guitarist Oscar Penas looked to composers he connects with, songs that speak to him, and originals that fit comfortably with the rest. That's the concept here, plain and simple, and the end result is a thirty-eight minute beauty that's alluring and completely accessible. Two different rhythm sections and three guests come and go during these eight tracks, but Penas' presence ties everything together. The first three numbers--a cheery choro featuring clarinetist ...

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Album Review

Oscar Penas: From Now On

Read "From Now On" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
July 21, 2011

The music on From Now On is modern jazz marinated in the seductive flavors of Spain and South America. Guitarist Oscar Peñas' path lead him from Barcelona to Brooklyn, NY, and this geographic duality is ever-present in the intriguing blend of music that's presented on this, his debut for BJU records. While Iberian-influenced guitar lines often set the stage and thread their way through the music, this record goes well-beyond any single style or influence. Peñas' writing ...

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Interview

Oscar Penas: From Barcelona to Brooklyn

by Tomas Pena
February 9, 2009

Oscar Peñas belongs to a generation of artists who believe there is more to being a musician than being technically proficient. Like his peers--many of whom are emerging, independent musicians--his music reflects his roots, his impressive credentials and his openness to new ideas and concepts. Oscar is part of a flourishing new music scene in Brooklyn where emerging artists gather to experiment, exchange ideas and create music that is changing the face of jazz.All About Jazz: You were ...

239

Album Review

Oscar Penas: Astronautus

Read "Astronautus" reviewed by AAJ Staff

by AAJ Staff
March 1, 2004

The music of this group led by Oscar Penas is firmly rooted in the post-bop mainstream, yet it sounds fresh and distinctive, possessing a quality of lightness coupled with considerable drive. And Astronautus serves notice that a major new saxophonist has arrived. His name is Javier Vercher, and with any kind of luck, we'll be hearing a lot more from him.

Vercher has as distinctive a saxophone voice as I've heard lately. His tenor tone is full and ...

Recording

Guitarist Oscar Penas' New Album Release, 'Chicken Or Pasta' Is A Fun Listen Right Out Of The Gate

Source: Zulema Mejias
June 12, 2023

Coming on the heels of 2022’s Almadraba, his deeply evocative suite drawing on Andalusian culture and brimming with Iberian, classical, and flamenco flavors, Oscar Penas’ latest finds him returning to his jazz roots. Once again accompanied by 6-string electric bassist Moto Fukushima and drummer Richie Barshay, his regular rhythm tandem for the past 14 years, and violinist Sara Caswell, a member of his working quartet since 2013, the Catalan-American guitarist-composer is also joined by two special guests—guitarist Mike Stern and ...
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Performance / Tour

Guitarist/Composer Oscar Penas Appearing In NYC: November 1 and November 5

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
October 29, 2011

Guitarist/Composer Oscar Penas Appearing In NYC In Support of New Recording From Now On Tuesday, November 1, 7:00 PM at the 55 Bar With Dan Blake (saxophones), Moto Fukushima (bass), Franco Pinna (drums), and special guest, Gil Goldstein November 5 at the Bar Next Door With Moto Fukushima (bass), Franco Pinna (drums) “It's difficult to separate Peñas the performer from Peñas the composer, due to the fact that his music lives and breathes through his entrancing guitar work, but they ...
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Performance / Tour

Oscar Penas Appearing In NYC In Support of New Recording "From Now On"

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
October 14, 2011

Guitarist/Composer Oscar Penas Appearing In NYC In Support of New Recording From Now On Tuesday, November 1, 7:00 PM at the 55 Bar with Dan Blake (saxophones), Moto Fukushima (bass), Franco Pinna (drums), and very special guest, Gil Goldstein November 5 at the Bar Next Door with Moto Fukushima (bass), Franco Pinna (drums), “Oscar's music is inviting and from the soul; finely cultivated and fully realized...his writing and playing have beautiful motion and uniquely sensuous melodies." —Esperanza Spalding “Oscar is ...
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Recording

BJURecords to Release "From Now On" from Guitarist/Composer Oscar Penas

Source: Jason Byrne, Red Cat Publicity
August 22, 2011

FROM NOW ON features: Oscar Peñas(guitar, compositions), Dan Blake (tenor & soprano saxophones), Moto Fukushima (six string electric bass), Richie Barshay (drums) With Special Guests: Gil Goldstein (accordion, piano), Franco Pinna (bombo legüero) “Oscar's music is inviting and from the soul; finely cultivated and fully realized...his writing and playing have beautiful motion and uniquely sensuous melodies."- Esperanza Spalding “Oscar is a very dedicated musician with a unique sound and creative writing" —Luciana Souza “Oscar Peñas has found a way to ...
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"It's always great fun to play good music.. and Oscar Peñas provides the music and talent to make this fun possible." - Ron Carter.

"A seamless synthesis of musical idioms and artistic disciplines." - By Phillip Lutz, Downbeat Magazine

"Oscar is a beautiful player with a totally unique sense of sound and color in his writing..." - Esperanza Spalding

"Oscar Peñas has a very well-traveled musical passport. Born in Spain, he sounds like a citizen of the world, crossing musical borders with quick and sure footing. I have seen his style develop and expand in the past five years I have known him and have been happy to be a passenger on his journeys. I am sure he will continue to develop and expand and we all wait for his next musical travels." - Gil Goldstein

"Oscar is a beautiful player with a totally unique sense of sound and color in his writing..." - Esperanza Spalding

“Surrounded by a real orgy of loud and louder recordings, Oscar Peñas' new CD feels like an oasis of variety and good musical taste. It was also great fun playing my C clarinet on that charming Chorinho he wrote for me!” - Paquito D’Rivera

“Mr. Peñas has become a marvelous storyteller.” Jazz Da Gama

" Music of Departures and Returns is an enjoyable collection of styles and sounds from around the world presented with heart-felt joy and clarity. The music will certainly leave the listener with a joyful and playful feeling; Peñas’ focus on making good heartfelt music is a breath of fresh air.” JazzTime

” …Peñas offers a lithe, sparkling solo that displays his deep affection for the music” Jazziz Magazine, OnDisc

…the album displays Peñas’s confident and clear phrasing, which is cast into high relief through interplay with Caswell’s violin. - Tim Wilkins, WBGO

In this day and age, when a large chunk of the jazz community views conceptual rigor and the creation of high art as a moral imperative, it's a joyous thing to hear artists like Peñas' buck the trend; he simply plays what he enjoys. - Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

Mr. Peñas, a crisp Catalan guitarist, has a new album, “Music of Departures and Returns,” that suggests a personal spin not only through the music of his heritage but also that of Cuba and the Americas. - Nate Chinen, NY Times

Peñas practices economical simplicity, displaying astute prowess commendable for its modesty and ease. - Bob Gendron, Downbeat Magazine (4 stars)

This is a delightful journey, guided by an artist with a rich imagination. - Marcia Hillman, The New York City Jazz Record

The music [of Music of Departures and Returns] will certainly leave the listener with a joyful and playful feeling; Peñas’ focus on making good heartfelt music is a breath of fresh air. - Douglas Reid, The Examiner

“…the recording, a collection of sublime compositions that delve deeply into his Spanish heritage while simultaneously honoring his jazz mastery” Jake Hertzog, Guitar Player Magazine

“Peñas is a guitarist with a classy, mahogany-hued aesthetic.” Michael Jackson, Downbeat

“There are many excellent CDs released every year in the realm of jazz, but it remains a rare occurrence when an album takes the listener on a unique journey from start to finish. Maybe it's because Oscar Penas, the superb guitar player who wrote all eight compositions on "From Now On,"”… Ron Netsky, Rochester City Newspaper

"From Now On is one of those romantic albums that grasps hold of you quickly. Warm, opening, and refreshing—Oscar Penas hopefully won't be an unkept secret from many. From Now On is an album that should be universally praised and rewarded. A definite must listen..." Stephan Moore, JazzWrap | A Jazz Music Blog

“Within this special genre, Oscar Peñas is a musician with a special sound.” Ivan Rod, Gaffa.DK

“Oscar Peñas is a musical artist painting from a bold sonic color palette while striking a balance between the organic and vibrant sounds from his native Barcelona and those of the Big Apple.” Brent L. Black, Jazzreview

"Oscar's music is inviting and from the soul; finely cultivated and fully realized...his writing and playing have beautiful motion and uniquely sensuous melodies." Esperanza Spalding

“Oscar is a very dedicated musician with a unique sound and creative writing” Luciana Souza

“Oscar Peñas has found a way to merge traditional Spanish music with Jazz in a way that seems totally natural and fresh. He also recorded them in a natural way, without overproducing them, and allowed himself and the player's carte blanche to find their own personalities within the music. A rare quality for records that are produced today and makes it unique and refreshing for all listeners.” Gil Goldstein

“Peñas is not a technical guitar player, but more of a sound sculptor...” Budd Kopman, Cadence

“When he soloes, he is spare and to the point” Marc Meyers, All About Jazz

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

New York City

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Teaching Experience Private Studio, Private Instructor, Brooklyn, NY, 2007- present ◦ Electric and classical guitar, jazz harmony and ear training 92Y School of the Arts, New York City, NY, Faculty, 2012- 2019 ◦ Guitar teacher, group and individual lessons Community Roots Charter School, Faculty, Brooklyn, NY, 2010- 2011 ◦ After-school guitar, group guitar lessons Brooklyn Music School, Faculty, Brooklyn, NY, 2009- 2012 ◦ Taught guitar and jazz ensembles Taller de Músics, Faculty, Barcelona, Spain, 2000-05 ◦ Taught guitar, jazz ensembles, repertoire, and improvisation.