Pedrito Martinez - Live in Austin & blew me away

[Jongo]

Hey Congueros, I saw Pedrito Martinez in Austin awhile back and he was incredible. I did not know who he was at the time but after seeing him perform I wanted to find out! He was incredible, absolutely blew me away. His technique was flawless, he sounded perfect. He sang some Yoruban chants, played congas, timbales, danced, it was amazing. The best part of the night was when I had pushed my way up to the very front he took his quinto out of the stand and carried it right to the front edge of the stage and he held it between his knees and kind of bent/hunched over played the most inspired solo I have ever heard live. I walked away from that feeling like I had just witnessed greatness and that the feeling and emotion he played with was something to aspire to!

[ralph]

Yes...i heard of him through Eddie Bobe's "Central Park Rumba" album and also thru Calle 54...he is an amazing talent, great singer, percussionist, dancer...i think the fact they he is such a triple threat puts him among the top if not the top musicians out now...

[Ivan]

Yeah, he's a good player... I saw him here in seattle a few months ago with YerbaBuena. Hung afterwards; real humble kat. Very versed in the Yoruba music, I belive he is a god son of Puntilla...

Glad to hear of another drummer that enjoyed his playing.
Ivan

[Jongo]

Yeah, he has got to be one of the top young talents out there. It was with Yerba Buena that I saw him and that was a really fun show. I just got to say hello to him briefly before the show but did not get a chance to really talk to him but he seemed very cool. I am also glad to hear that other players are appreciating his talent. When I first saw him I thought, how is it I have never heard of this guy?

[JohnnyConga]

I have to tell you I can name 20 guys u have never heard of maybe up to 100 that are in New York City, and "equal" to Pedrito also...they just aren't out there, working...a LOT of people haven't heard of me or seen me play and I've been on the scene for 41 years now ....but ud have to come to Seattle to see that, unless Im in your town next time i hit the road..."JC" Johnny Conga.... or PS Buy my DVD,s....

[JohnnyConga]

BTW ..Pedrito can play his ass off ..I have him on video from the NAMM show jams...u can also see him at CongaHead.com videos...."JC" Johnny Conga...

[Jongo]

Yeah, it is amazing when you think of all the great musicians out there who were never discovered or never wanted to be pros. It is a little bit overwhelming. But Pedrito Martinez was definitely one guy that I was surprised I had not heard of. Look at me, I can play at least as good as his mama's sisters, brothers, cousins, neighbors, godmothers, suegra but nobody ever heard of me! Just kidding, I am a career amateur but I love it!