Jazz Articles about Pedrito Martinez

About Pedrito Martinez

Album Review

Bill O'Connell: A Change Is Gonna Come

Read "A Change Is Gonna Come" reviewed by Jack Bowers

by Jack Bowers
February 28, 2022

Pianist Bill O'Connell, who has been at the top of his game for more than four decades with no signs of slowing down, says each of his albums is a snapshot of how he is feeling at a particular time in his life. A Change Is Gonna Come expresses O'Connell's frame of mind after enduring more than two years of the Coronavirus pandemic. By and large, the mood is optimistic, underscoring his belief that the worst of the pandemic could ...

Album Review

Pedrito Martinez Group: Habana Dreams

Read "Habana Dreams" reviewed by James Nadal

by James Nadal
July 5, 2016

The African drums and rhythms that originated in Yorubaland, have been an integral part of the Santeria religion in Cuba, and a profound influence on the rumbero percussionists on the island. Pedrito Martinez is a premier conga master who hails from the Cayo Hueso barrio in La Habana, and is also an akpwon (lead singer) and santero priest, guiding the ceremonious drumming and invocations of the spirits. Habana Dreams was recorded in the historic Areíto/EGREM studios in the city, and ...

Album Review

Pedrito Martinez: The Pedrito Martinez Group

Read "The Pedrito Martinez Group" reviewed by Andrew Luhn

by Andrew Luhn
December 15, 2013

On the front cover of their debut album, The Pedrito Martinez group, declares their music to be “The Latin Jazz Revolution!" and revolutionary might just be the best way to describe the group's music. Pedrito Martinez is undeniably one of the most talented young musicians in Latin music today and has become one of the most in-demand in the industry for both his beautiful voice and his exceptional percussion skills. The group he leads is expanding the definitions of Latin ...

Album Review

Pedrito Martinez: Rumba de la Isla

by AAJ Italy Staff
June 10, 2013

Prodotto dal regista spagnolo Fernando Trueba (autore del bel documentario Calle 54, dedicato alla musica latina), questo disco celebra l'incontro tra la musica cubana e il flamenco. Protagonista è Pedrito Martinez, uno dei massimi percussionisti dell'isola caraibica residente dall'anno 2000 a New York, di cui ricordiamo le collaborazioni con Paquito D'Rivera, Brian Lynch, Steve Turre, Bebo Valdes, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Lovano e altri artisti di primo piano. Martinez ha inteso ricordare così Camaron de la Isla, il massimo cantante di ...

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Album Review

Alex Brown: Pianist

Read "Pianist" reviewed by Edward Blanco

by Edward Blanco
October 1, 2011

With a little help from Cuban-born saxophonist Paquito D'Rivera the jazz world heralds the entrance of 22 year-old Alex Brown, capturing but a glimpse of his talents on a monster recording debut simply entitled Pianist. It was actually D'Rivera's bassist, Oscar Stagnaro,who began to gig with pianist around the Boston area, ultimately introducing Brown to D'Rivera, and the rest is history. Taken with Brown's skills on the instrument and his understanding of Latin music beyond Afro-Cuban rhythms, D'Rivera took him ...

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Album Review

Alex Brown: Pianist

Read "Pianist" reviewed by Raul d'Gama Rose

by Raul d'Gama Rose
October 29, 2010

Even for a pianist with as prodigious a talent as Alex Brown, having a heavyweight in the music pantheon such as Paquito D'Rivera produce the debut album, must have largely been a dream. However, to pull off a debut as fine as this is a feat in itself. As a pianist, Brown has remarkable technique. Although he may still be searching for his true voice and that may take time, he appears to be closer than most. He is truly ...