Al Martin Biography

SKILLS: I am an Afro Caribbean Percussionist. My instruments are Congas, Bongos, Timbales, traditional small hand percussion, and the concept of claves.

EDUCATION: I have had two years of formal musical study (theory, musicianship, and percussion) at Los Angeles City College; one year of musical study (fundamentals of harmony) at the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles; and one year of musical study (rhythm and percussion) at the Jamey Faunt School of Music in Los Angeles.

EXPERIENCE: I have had 25 plus years of performing and recording in the music industry. I spent four years as Latin Percussionist in the U.S. Air Force Jazz Ensemble in Central and South America (stationed in the Panama Canal Zone), and performed in carnivals in Brazil, Uruguay, Nicaragua, and Panama. I have also performed with the internationally renowned band from Puerto Rico, El Grand Combo, as well as with many Latin Jazz bands throughout the Los Angeles area.

I have also performed with such greats as The Gerald Wilson Orchestra, Jazz Organist Les McCann, Jazz Bassist Larry Gales, Jazz Singer Barbara McNair, Jazz Vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, and on Cheech and Chong motion picture soundtracks. I have also recorded with Rock & Roll legends Little Richard and Solomon Burke.

My most recent musical endeavor consisted of a recording session with the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. I was the Latin Percussionist for their upcoming Brazilian theme show. I am currently teaching percussion and flute from my home studio in Cathedral City, California, and freelancing as a percussionist and flutist.

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