Alfredo Rodríguez & Pedrito Martinez Duo

Playful, intense

Cuban music with West African roots Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez are big names in the Cuban music scene in their own rights. Together they make intense, intimate songs mind nor body can long sit still to. Martinez is an inimitable percussionist as well as a charming singer. Rodríguez is a classically trained, but also adventurous jazz musician who plays the piano like a melodic percussion instrument.

Their album “Duologue” (2019) is bursting with rich Cuban compositions, rooted in West African musical tradition. It’s also strikingly playful. With songs like “Super Mario Bros 3,” based on the music from the video game of the same name, but also “Thriller”, an adaptation of Michael Jackson’s classic hit. Appropriately enough, the record was produced by Jackson’s producer Quincy Jones. The duo’s playful tunes are carried out with the same love and care as it’s ode to Rodríguez and Martinez’s roots, “El Punto Cubano.” When performing live, both musicians wear their enjoyment on their sleeves. They give themselves to each new song passionately and with big smiles. It makes watching them play as much a pleasure as listening to them.

Alfredo Rodríguez - Piano, vocals
Pedrito Martinez - Percusion, vocals