Jazz Room Presents: Pedrito Martinez Group

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez (born September 12, 1973, in Havana, Cuba) began his musical career at age 11. Since moving to New York City in 1998, he has performed or recorded with artists including Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Chucho Valdés, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Sting, contributing to over 100 albums. A master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum, he is widely regarded as a leading rumbero, known for his work as a singer, percussionist, and dancer, as well as appearances in films such as Calle 54 and Chico and Rita.

Martinez was a founding member of the Afro-Cuban/Afrobeat band Yerba Buena before launching The Pedrito Martinez Group in 2005. Their 2013 debut album earned a Grammy nomination and critical recognition from NPR and The Boston Globe. The follow-up, Habana Dreams (2016), featured artists such as Rubén Blades and Angélique Kidjo.

In 2019, he released Duologue with pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, produced by Quincy Jones, and collaborated with Eric Clapton on “My Father’s Eyes,” which they later performed at the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

More recently, Martinez released the album “Illusión Óptica” and appeared on Telemundo and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, continuing to expand his global reach.