Biography
Alexey Marti is a Cuban-born percussionist, composer, and bandleader renowned for his dynamic contributions to Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music. Born in Havana, Cuba, Marti began his musical journey playing conga drums as a child within his family, absorbing the island’s deep African-rooted traditions. His formal education in percussion started at age 16 under the mentorship of Maestro Oscar Valdes, the legendary percussionist and singer for Irakere. This mentorship led to a professional tenure with Valdes’ Afro-Cuban ensemble Dia.kara, where Marti honed his craft and deepened his understanding of Afro-Cuban rhythms and folklore.[1][2]
In 2008, Marti relocated to New Orleans, Louisiana, immersing himself in the city’s vibrant musical culture and enrolling in the University of New Orleans Jazz Program to study percussion and piano. He quickly became a fixture in the local scene, founding the Latin-funk-fusion quintet Alexey Marti and Urban Minds, and opening for Chucho Valdes in 2012. Marti’s innovative approach blends Cuban folkloric and contemporary traditions with West African spiritual drumming, New Orleans jazz, blues, funk, and second line rhythms, resulting in a fresh, cross-cultural sound. He has released two acclaimed albums, 'Travesia' (2017) and 'Mundo' (2019), both celebrated for their inventive arrangements and cosmopolitan influences.[1][2][3][4]
Marti’s career is marked by collaborations with notable artists such as The Headhunters, Delfeayo Marsalis, Orlando Maraca Valle, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. He is a regular performer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and has been recognized with multiple Big Easy Music Award nominations, winning Best Performer in the Latin and World Music category in 2018. Marti continues to expand his artistic reach, composing for film and television, and inspiring audiences with his audience-participatory performances and celebratory spirit.[1][2][3]
Fun Facts
- Marti’s album 'Mundo' was recorded in multiple cities across the Americas and Europe, including New Orleans, Miami, New York, Havana, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Spain, reflecting its cosmopolitan sound.[2]
- He has performed regularly at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival since 2009, becoming a staple of the event.[1]
- Marti composed music for the TV series 'Roots' (2016) and for documentaries such as 'Chasing Dreams: A Leah Chase Story' and 'Codigo Color Memorias.'[1]
- He is largely self-taught, supplementing his formal studies with intensive daily practice sessions of up to 12 hours, and by observing rehearsals of top Cuban musicians.[2]
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Oscar Valdes - Primary percussion teacher and mentor; Valdes is a renowned percussionist and singer for Irakere. (Tenure as percussionist in Valdes’ Afro-Cuban ensemble Dia.kara) [Early 2000s]
Key Collaborators
- Chucho Valdes - Marti opened for Valdes in concert, a significant milestone in his early New Orleans career. (Live concert opening act) [2012]
- The Headhunters - Recorded and performed with the legendary jazz-funk group. (Album: Platinum (2011)) [2011]
- Delfeayo Marsalis - Collaborated as a percussionist for performances and recordings. (Performances and recordings) [2016]
- Orlando Maraca Valle - Performed and/or recorded together, blending Cuban jazz traditions. (Live and studio collaborations) [2010s]
- Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez - Collaborated in live and studio settings, focusing on Afro-Cuban jazz. (Live and studio collaborations) [2010s]
- Davell Crawford - Performed together in New Orleans jazz and fusion contexts. (Live performances) [2010s]
- Oscar Rossignoli - Pianist and core band member on 'Mundo'; frequent collaborator. (Album: Mundo (2019)) [2019]
- Julian Addison - Drummer and core band member on 'Mundo'. (Album: Mundo (2019)) [2019]
- Pat Casey - Bassist and core band member on 'Mundo'. (Album: Mundo (2019)) [2019]
- Brent Rose - Saxophonist and core band member on 'Mundo'. (Album: Mundo (2019)) [2019]
- Curtis and Bomani Pierre - Brazilian percussionists featured on 'Mundo'. (Album: Mundo (2019)) [2019]
- John Benitez - Guest bassist on the track 'Salt and Pepper' from 'Mundo'. (Track: Salt and Pepper (Mundo)) [2019]
- Maurizio Delrio - Flamenco guitarist featured on the title track of 'Mundo'. (Track: Mundo (Mundo)) [2019]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Mundo | 2018-12-09 | Album |
| Travesia | 2017-05-08 | Album |
| NOLA REVISITED | 2017-01-19 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Ya La Fiesta Comenzo (Mundo)
- Salt and Pepper (Mundo)
- When I'm Falling in Love (Mundo)
- Palenque (Mundo)
- Carnaval (Mundo)
- Gringo in Havana (Travesia)
- Fire Land (Mundo)
- Mundo (Mundo)
- Tu Magia (Mundo)
- Cafe Du Monde (Mundo)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Alexey Marti has been played 11 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 16:15 | travesiafrom travesia | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Dec 25, 2025 | 17:01 | carnavalfrom mundo | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Dec 11, 2025 | 17:00 | carnavalfrom mundo | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Keith Hill | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | 16:19 | Ya La Fiesta Comenzofrom Mundo | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 10, 2025 | 07:34 | Salt And Pepperfrom Mundo | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | 17:22 | carnavalfrom mundo | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Oct 1, 2025 | 17:21 | ya la fiesta comenzofrom mundo | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Sep 26, 2025 | 08:56 | Salt And Pepperfrom Mundo | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Sep 26, 2025 | 08:55 | Second Linefrom Travesia | The Morning Setw/ Dave Dauterive | |
| Sep 22, 2025 | 18:41 | Second Linefrom Travesia | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Maryse Dejean |