Efrain Martinez
- United States
Overview
EFRAIN MARTINEZ, born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, interest in music dawned on him early and at age 13 he began formal training on the drumset. His rapid development on the instrument allowed him to begin his professional career as a session drummer for many latin gospel and sacred music albums, most notably with singer René González.
He continued his musical training under former Sammy Davis Jr. band and Mongo Santamaría drummer Tony Sánchez. It was during this period that his interest and development in jazz took him to New York City for a year and half to work with artists like John Benitez group, Ron Affif Trio and percussionist Papo Pepín among many others.
Upon his return to Puerto Rico he continued his studio work and live performances with many latin pop artists including a year-long international tour with latin diva Olga Tañón. His sought-after skills and musicality led him to many important collaborations with high caliber musicians such as Steve Khan, Eddie Gomez and Jerry González, placing him among the most respected drummers in Puerto Rico.
Recent collaborations include Viento de Agua, Hip Hop artist Tego Calderon, Vico C, lounge/electronica artist MIMA, recordings with new jazz artists like saxophonist Luis Rodriguez (Fresh Sound records), holograma Quartet (M.A. Productions/Pollymood Records), Ricardo Pons' Causa Común project, Holograma quintet, and presentations in venues like the San Juan Heineken Jazz Fest, Dominican Republic Jazz Festival, Barranquilla Jazz Fest, Curacao Jazz Fest, Faot Music Fest in Mexico, National Public Radio Philadelphia (NPR), Manhattan's Joe's Pub and Brooklyn Theatre et al. He also has done clinics and concerts in South America with the United States Embassy Music Education Program. Sponsored by: Pearl drums, Meinl cymbals, Beato bags, ProMark drumsticks and Evans drumheads.
Notable recordings-
René González: Nada es Imposible - 1995 – Lissette (Live) - 2001 - Ricardo Pons & CausaComún: Segunda Piel - 2003 - Mima - 2005 - Luis Rodríguez Quartet: U-Turn - 2006 - Cultura Profética: Mota - 2006 - holograma Quartet - 2008 - Viento de Agua: Fruta Madura - 2010 - Cultura Profética: La dulzura - 2011 - Mima: El Pozo – 2012 Holograma Quintet: Origen -201- Viento de Agua Grammy nomine Opus V - Jerry Medina : La timba dura - 2014.