"However divergent their upbringings, what's more important is how you approach your art, said Martinez on a recent joint video call with Rodriguez. It's not the virtuosity, the pianist added. There are many moments we can show technique, but what we want is to tell a story. I'm trying to be humble, Hey brother, tell me something, tell me about your life,' Martinez said. We learn from each other. That's when something pure happens."
"The New Jersey-based Martinez, 52, is universally hailed as the preeminent conguero of his generation, a drummer and vocalist steeped in rumba, Havana street music, and the sacred Yoruba rhythms of Santeria and Abakua. Hailing from an illustrious musical family, Rodriguez, 40, trained at Havana's top conservatories and was famously scouted by Quincy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006."
Percussionist Pedrito Martinez and pianist Alfredo Rodriguez perform the Duologue Project at Kuumbwa Jazz Center Feb. 9 and Yoshi's Feb. 10-11. Martinez, 52, is a New Jersey-based conguero rooted in rumba, Havana street music, and sacred Yoruba rhythms of Santeria and Abakua. Rodriguez, 40, trained at Havana's top conservatories and was discovered by Quincy Jones in 2006. Their Cuban upbringings differed, with Martinez shaped by informal musical communities and Rodriguez by classical training, yet both absorbed folklore and religious ceremonies. Their collaboration emphasizes storytelling over pure virtuosity and blends classical, African, and jazz elements authentically.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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