JAZZ ROOM presents: The Pedrito Martinez Group

Pedrito Martinez – September 27-28
“The Pedrito Martinez Group is writing a new chapter in Cuban music history” – NPR All Things Considered.

Back, by popular demand, Havana-born Latin Jazz superstar, percussionist Pedrito Martinez returns to the JAZZ ROOM with his powerhouse ensemble and vibrant Afro-Cuban sounds, performing his captivating high-energy dance worthy grooves, in partnership with the Charlotte International Arts Festival, in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Pedrito Martinez Group has its roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition summed it up aptly for the New York Times calling it, “complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk.” Since its formation in the current lineup in 2008, the Pedrito Martinez group has developed into an extraordinarily tight and creative unit with a home base gig in Midtown Manhattan at Guantanamera. They have built a fan base that includes Steve Gadd, Ravi Coltrane, Taj Mahal, Eric Clapton, John Scofield, Roger Waters, Derek Trucks, Herlin Riley, and Will Lee. Pedrito Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973. He began his musical career at the age of 11, performing as vocalist and percussionist playing with such Cuban legends as Tata Guines, Munequitos de Matanzas. In 1998, he was brought to Canada by Jane Bunnett to tour with her group, Spirits of Havana. His decision to r ain in North America to pursue his career proved to be an auspicious one when, two years later, the annual Thelonious Monk Institute Competition showcased Afro-Latin Hand Drumming for the first time ever; he entered and won first place. Martinez was a member of the highly successful Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena with which he recorded two albums and toured the world opening for bands including the Dave Matthews Band, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles. In addition, he has also lent his talents to more than one hundred records, and collaborated with artist such as Paquito D’Rivera, Issac Delgado, Eliane Elias, Stefon Harris, Steve Turre, Eddie Palmieri, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Conrad Herwig, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bill Summers and Los Hombres Calientes.

The JAZZ ROOM provides a casual and intimate setting with tables and a full bar, reminiscent of the classic jazz rooms of yesteryear.

Thank you to our JAZZ ROOM contributors: Bank of America, South Arts, Knight Foundation, Arts & Science Council, North Carolina Arts Council, Alice L Walton Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Infusion Fund.