These two master musicians, pianist Alfredo Rodriguez and percussionist Pedrito Martinez take listeners on a unique and exciting journey on ‘Duologue’.

Grammy-nominated artists Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez first worked together on Alfredo’s 2012 release ‘The Invasion Parade’. Since that initial recording session, they have had the rare occasion to perform together as a duo, leaving audiences completely mesmerised by their fearless and virtuosic playing.

Each artist brings a different approach to the collaboration. A protégé of Quincy Jones, who took him under his wing when he defected to the US in 2009, Alfredo was schooled in the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana. His riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Afro Cuban and jazz roots. Pedrito’s musical training came directly from the streets of the Cayo Hueso neighbourhood of Old Havana in which he was raised and he has subsequently performed with artists such as Sting, Paul Simon and Wynton Marsalis.

‘Mr. Martínez’s music treats joy as a guiding ideal. The rhythms bubbling from his congas conjure the image of sweat thrashing from his body unheeded, the effort as its own reward. For Mr. Rodríguez, the gambit is different. He is assiduous, building complex rhythmic trelliswork at breakneck speeds with a facility that’s tough to fathom. But he projects an illusion of absolute composure - that’s part of his appeal.’ - New York