Categories: Music
Ray Martinez
Known for his melodic and percussive style, RAY MARTINEZ has been considered one of the most gifted and prominent bassist/arrangers in the contemporary Latin and Salsa music scenes.
Ray composed, arranged, recorded and performed for many years with Latin-jazz legend MONGO SANTAMARIA. As the leader and creator of his own salsa band, “CONJUNTO TIPICO CRIOLLO,” Ray produced and arranged three albums. Ray was also a member of the BUDDHA-LATIN JAZZ ALL STARS.
RAY MARTINEZ has enjoyed a prolific musical career recording and performing with such artist as the “KING OF LATIN MUSIC” TITO PUENTE, “THE QUEEN OF SALSA” CELCIA CRUZ, Latin Jazz great MONGO SANTAMARIA, RAY BARRETO, JOHNNY PACHECO, DAVE VALENTIN, HECTOR LAVOE, “EL SONERO MAYOR” ISMAEL RIVERA, TIPICA 73, AND PETE “EL CONDE” RODRIGUEZ, LARRY HARLOW among others.
Having firmly established his reputation as an excellent musician, Ray was chosen to participate with PAUL SIMON in several musical recordings and also performed in two world tours with DAVID BYRNE ex-leader of the TALKING HEADS. In addition, Ray served as a special guest on DAVID BYRNE’S production of Brazilian artist MARGARETH MENEZES. Increasingly in demand, he has recorded with international star JUAN LUIS GUERRA and 4:40, AFRICANDO from Africa, and the ultimate expression of Puerto Rican folklore in New York, LOS PLENEROS DE LA 21.
Ray Martinez is committed to motivating and inspiring audiences both young and mature to the magnificent sounds of Afro-Caribbean Jazz and Jazz. His musical innovation fuses Afro-Jazz (Latin Jazz), the Blues, and Funk and folklore rhythms of the Caribbean to create familiar yet new sound. Ray Martinez Legacy incorporates 6/8 rhythms, Cha-Cha, Guaguanco, Samba, Funk and the Blues to create a unique sound. Within its polyrhythmic and melodic sounds, you can hear the soul of Africa, the Blue note, that element of expression which crosses the seas uniting not only diverse African communities, but the spirit or heart of the world.
RAY MARTINEZ, native of the Dominican Republic received his formal music education from the NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC in the Dominican Republic and upon moving to the U.S he continued his studies at LEHMAN COLLEGE of New York City.
Services Offered
Ray Martinez offers an array of services. With over 40 years of experience, Ray dedicated to producing the highest quality in musical productions. Whether you need and arrangement or musical producer, Ray is committed to make your dream come true. For your musical entertainment, Ray offers a variety of musical genres. Sabor Criollo is a hard salsa band that has been catergorized as one of the most outstanding and respected groups in New York City. Ray Martinez' Legacy is a latin jazz fusion band. This musical innovation fuses Afro-Jazz (Latin Jazz), the Blues, and Funk and folklore rhythms of the Caribbean to create familiar yet new sound motivating and inspiring audiences both young and mature.Contact Information
Phone: 6464564769
