Alfredo Rodriguez & Pedrito Martinez

The music of New Orleans and Cuba is bound by deep, historic roots – each born from African rhythms, shaped by European harmonies, and burst forth in lively public squares. Over centuries, this shared heritage evolved into the sounds of jazz, son, and rumba that still pulse across the Gulf. Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez will highlight that cultural vibrant exchange between Cuba and New Orleans through musical vignettes, in addition to their own inspired originals.

Grammy-nominated artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez leave audiences completely mesmerized by their fearless and virtuosic playing. A classical pianist by training, Rodriguez was discovered by his mentor Qunicy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival while Martinez honed his craft on the streets of Havana, learning the deeply-rooted percussion and vocal style of Afro-Cuban folkloric and religious music.

Their unique backgrounds create an extraordinary synergy. Rodriguez trained in Havana’s rigorous classical conservatories. His artistry is as much shaped by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by Afro-Cuban rhythms and jazz. Martinez’s musical training came directly from the streets of the Cayo Hueso neighborhood of Old Havana. Over the years, he has collaborated with icons such as Sting, Paul Simon, and Wynton Marsalis. Together these two master musicians take listeners on a unique and exciting journey through a variety of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions and unexpected favorites.

“What makes this duo completely different is that I came from the folkloric side and Alfredo came from the classical side,” says Martinez.”You put those things together and you come out with an extraordinary and different sound.” The Grammy-nominated artists first collaborated on Rodriguez’s 2012 album The Invasion Parade, and since then, have had rare opportunities to perform together as a duo. Their collaborative album, Duologue, produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, established the pair as a leading force in the jazz world. And their reputation grows with every unforgettable live performance.