Media contact: Shannon Thomason
The duo of Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez bring street and classical music from Cuba to the United States. Savor Cuban music by Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez by joining the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center for a free Jazz Café Series performance, 8 p.m. Saturday, March 19.
Painted in the broadest of strokes, the stories of Rodriguez and Martinez may seem similar, according to their artists’ biographies. Both started life in Havana, discovered their gifts and passions for music, and headed to the United States, where they melded the music of their homeland with a wide variety of influences, each in his own deeply personal way. However, their music journeys considerably differ.
Rodriguez was born into a musical family. As a child prodigy, he studied classical piano at the prestigious Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán and Instituto Superior de Arte. His father was a popular singer and TV host, and Rodriguez played popular music in his father’s orchestra at night.
Martinez honed his craft on the streets of Havana, learning the deeply rooted percussion and vocal style of Afro-Cuban folkloric and religious music. Martinez has performed or recorded with artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, Angelique Kidjo, Chucho Valdés and James Taylor.
As a result of their differences, Rodriguez and Martinez share a natural chemistry, birthing a galvanizing musical experience when they come together. Their first outing, “Duologue,” finds the pair exploring a range of moods and influences, from Cuban classics to collaborative original compositions, to unexpected favorites.
The event is free and open to public. Register online. The musical night is sponsored in part by the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Dora and Sanjay Singh.
For more in-depth learning about the complex culture and history of Cuba, visit the ASC’s lobby for an Inside the Arts discussion before the show at 7 p.m.