The Pedrito Martinez Group

The Pedrito Martinez Group came together in 2012 as a Latin jazz ensemble when the percussionist, singer, and dancer assembled its lineup in New York City. Cuban pianist, trumpeter, arranger, and composer Edgar Pantoja-Alema, Venezuelan percussionist Álvaro Benavides, and Peruvian bassist Jhair Sala comprise the membership.

Blending strands of multiple folk traditions with Latin jazz and acoustic funk defines the group’s sound. Motema issued the self-titled debut album in 2013. Steve Gadd produced the recording, which included guest contributions from Wynton Marsalis, John Scofield, Marc Quinones, and Gary Schreiner alongside the producer himself. The set earned a Grammy nomination.

Following U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2014 announcement normalizing diplomatic relations with Cuba, PMG moved forward with plans to record at Havana’s historic Egrem Studios. An international roster of vocalists and guests joined the sessions: Cuban singers and musicians Isaac Delgado and Descemer Bueno, rapper Telmary Diaz, percussionist Roman Diaz, Angelique Kidjo, Ruben Blades, and Marsalis. Habana Dreams appeared in June 2016 and debuted at number one on the digital Latin Topical and Jazz charts.