I am
Oscar Peñas (Penas), a jazz composer, guitarist, bandleader, and producer born in Barcelona, Spain, and a naturalized USA citizen.
New Work
"Remote Hoods" is a musical project by artist guitarist Oscar Peñas, supported by the New York State Council on the Arts. It celebrates the diverse communities and rich musical history of New York City by exploring various melodies and sounds that have come together to create the city's modern music scene. Peñas is excited to work on this project and dedicate his second suit to the city he calls home.
Previous collaborations with American Masters, work, and formative years.Oscar Peñas, a talented musician, has successfully released five of his six albums as an independent producer on his record label, MUSIKOZ. With absolute creative control, Oscar has been able to produce music that is true to his artistic vision. By supporting independent artists like Oscar, you not only enjoy their unique talent but also help them continue creating truly authentic music.
"
Chicken or Pasta" (2023) features guitarist Mike Stern and steel pedal guitar Greg Leisz. "
Almadraba" (2022) features legendary fantastic bassist Ron Carter.
"
Music of Departures and Returns" (2014) features superb vocalist and bassist Esperanza Spalding, the unmistakable Paquito d' Rivera, and the multifaceted arranger, pianist, and accordionist Gil Goldstein.
"
From Now On" (2009) features accordionist Gil Goldstein.
After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 1999, he moved to Barcelona and released his first two albums with Fresh Sound New Talent record label.
"
The Return of Astronautus" (2005)
"
Astronautus" (2003).
These two early albums got Peñas a scholarship to attend New England Conservatory. He completed his master's in Jazz Performance in 2007, then moved to New York, where he still lives and creates music. Peñas performs across the USA in notable venues, attracting press and audiences.
"Almadraba," a non-improvised jazz-classical suite with 12 movements for eight musicians, premiered at the 2018 BAM Next Wave Festival to four consecutive sold-out shows and received a rave review from
DownBeat magazine.
In 2023, Oscar took Amazon to court after they mislinked the " Almadraba " physical album to a t-shirt on their site. Despite losing the case, he appealed to the Civil Court and is still awaiting the outcome.
Oscar is a Laras, NARAS, Fractured Atlas, and ASCAP member.
Fluent in Catalan and Spanish