Pedrito Martinez

“complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk.”
- Ben Ratliff, New York Times

Pedrito Martinez comes to SPAC for the 35th Freihofer's Saratoga Jazz Festival!

Announced as part of the Sunday lineup for the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the Pedrito Martinez Group, described by Ben Ratliff of the New York Times as, “complex, blenderized Africa-to-the-New-World funk.”

First formed in 2008, the group has a home base in Midtown Manhattan with high-profile fans such as, Steve Gadd, Ravi Coltrane, Taj Mahal, and Eric Clapton. “Since arriving in the United States at the end of the 1990s, the Cuban percussionist Pedro Martinez has been all over the place, putting rumba and guaguancó into the weave of all kinds of groups. But when his drums, singing and writing are the focus – as is the case in his new band– he’s an incomparable performer,” said Ben Ratliff of the New York Times.

“Last year at Saratoga Jazz Fest, Pedrito Martinez jolted the Gazebo crowd into movement with his soaring harmonies, exemplifying the meaning of the word ‘festival,’” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s President and Executive Director. “Martinez is considered one of the best congueros in the world, with equally stunning vocals, and a chemistry with his international band-members that is truly mesmerizing. We look forward to the Group’s return performance at the Gazebo, contributing to a terrific line-up.”

Pedrito was nominated for The Latin Jazz Corner 2010 “Best of the Year Awards” and “Latin Jazz Percussionist of the Year.” His album collaborations have lent themselves to six Grammy nominated records and one Grammy award, a record featuring Eddie Palmieri and Brian Lynch, called “Simpatico.”

Highlights of the 2012 tour include international appearances in Austria and Australia and the USA tour featuring performances in Brooklyn, NY, Miami Beach, Houston, New Orleans and The Newport Jazz Festival.

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