Latin Jazz Powered: The Pedrito Martinez Group
Indy Jazz Fest 2023 Sunset Series
Percussionist, drummer, singer, dancer, bandleader, songwriter, composer, and educator Pedrito Martinez and The Pedrito Martinez Group had the party swinging as Latin Jazz powered this fourth night of Indy Jazz Fest’s Sunset Series at The Jazz Kitchen on September 21, 2023. If you had been there, you could not have stood still.
Cuban Rumbas and Afro-Cuban Music
Pedrito plays the Batá drum, conga, cajón, timbale, and bongo drums, among other percussion instruments with musical roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban Rumba tradition and in the bata rhythms and vocal chants of the music of Yoruba and Santeria. Pedrito was joined by bandmates on percussion, keys, trombone, and bass, bringing their creative talents to the electric blended sounds of Cuban Rumbas and Afro-Cuban music. Although a seated performance, few were left in their seats by the night's end.
Latin Grammy Nominated Artist
Born in Cuba and now based in NYC, Pedrito has performed and recorded with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Paquito D'Rivera, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Sting, Jane Bunnett, Eddie Palmieri, Esperanza Spalding, Elton John, Camila Cabello, Jackson Browne, Eric Clapton, Steve Turre, Bill Summers, Cassandra Wilson, Joe Lovano, Brian Lynch, Stefon Harris, Jane Bunnett, Issac Delgado, Eliane Elias, Angélique Kidjo, and Los Hombres Calientes. Today, he continues to tour the world and release new albums, including 2021’s Acertijos, which featured multiple collaborations with Eric Clapton and received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Tropical Album.
Latin Dance Party On the Patio!
But the night didn’t stop with this performance, as Pavel and Direct Contact performed live outside on the patio, and the Jazz Kitchen’s Latin Dance Party continued the party inside into the night. Come on out, Indy – there is much more great music ahead.
For more on the artist and festival, click below.
*Photographer Mark Sheldon is on the Board of Directors of The Indianapolis Jazz Foundation, which produces Indy Jazz Fest.
Pedrito Martinez ©2023 Mark Sheldon
