PEDRITO MARTINEZ QUARTET - Chicago Debut

“complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk...he’s an incomparable performer.” - New York Times

Pedrito Martínez was a founding member of the highly successful, Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena, and has played with the likes of Paquito D'Rivera, Eddie Palmieri, Bebo Valdés, and Sting. Along the way he's also been featured in the documentary film on Cuban music, Calle 54. 

The Pedrito Martinez Group has its roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition and in the bata rhythms and vocal chants of the music of Yoruba and Santeria. Ben Ratliff summed it up aptly for the New York Times (June 15, 2010) calling it, "complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk."

Pedro Pablo "Pedrito" Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973. Pedrito began his musical career at the age of 11, performing as vocalist and percussionist with such Cuban legends as Tata Guines, Munequitos de Matanzas. He was brought to Canada in 1998, by Jane Bunnett, to tour with her group, Spirits of Havana. His decision to remain 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. Pedro entered and won first place.

*Attend the facebook event then email soundculture@gmail.com with PEDRITO in the subject line for a chance to win free tickets.