About Pedrito Martinez Group

Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez was born in Havana, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973 and began his musical career at the age of 11.

Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, Pedrito has recorded or performed with Wynton Marsalis, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews, and Sting, and has contributed to well over 100 albums.

A master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum he has played and sung with dozens of Cuban rumba groups and contributed to several important films, including Calle 54 (2000) and Chico and Rita (2010).

Pedrito was a founding member of the Afro-Cuban/Afro-Beat band, Yerba Buena, with which he recorded two albums and toured the world in the mid-to late-90’s.

As leader, Pedrito has released two albums, the first one of which was nominated for a Grammy, in 2013. Habana Dreams, their second, was recorded in Cuba, and released in June 10, 2016 featuring, Ruben Blades, Isaac Delgado, Wynton Marsalis, and Angelique Kidjo.

In February of 2019, Pedrito and Cuban pianist, Alfredo Rodriguez, a duo album with Quincy Jones as Executive Producer.

In July 2019, Pedrito and Eric Clapton recorded a newly arranged version of Clapton’s song, My Father’s Eyes, and on September 22, Pedrito and Clapton performed together at Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas, Texas.

Pedrito Martinez uses LP Percussion, A. Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth drumsticks, DW drums, Remo drumheads, and Earthworks audio mics.