Beyond Sergio Martinez’s mastery of his musical craft, he is a humble, inspiring and insightful person. This takes his music to a next level. That gift helps make his music transcendent leaving an indelible impression. Lofty as this sounds, witnessing him play is proof. On July 12, he will be playing percussion with Al Di Meola’s acoustic trio at Valencia’s Palau de La Musica as part of the Valencia Jazz festival.
‘24/7 Valencia’ caught up via phone with Sergio after rehearsals with the RSI Lugano Orchestra at the Lugano Music Festival. He is performing as a member of Al Di Meola’s acoustic trio along with guitarist Peo Alfonsi.
Born and raised in Madrid with an Andalusian background, Sergio discovered his interest in percussion when two percussionists, Juanjo Guillem and Juanjo Rubio hosted a masterclass at his high school. “I didn’t get to meet them personally, or have any kind of relationship with these two.” But this event really connected him to the Music. The textures and sounds resounded deeply for Sergio. Then, a supportive teacher saw his special talent and encouraged him to take lessons. This led to lessons by the Brazilian percussionist Rogerio Souza. Sergio began exploring Afro-Latin and Cuban rhythms.
Next, when playing on the streets of Cádiz during a visit, Sergio was approached by a Flamenco group asking him to sit in with them for a hotel gig. Their percussionist was sick and they needed someone. Confessing he knew nothing about Flamenco rhythms, they assured him they would teach him. He faced his baptism-by-fire with only one morning rehearsal. “Of course, I made a mess but I got so blown (away) by the power and the beauty of the music and the dance.”
Along with a permanently borrowed live Paco de Lucía recording from his uncle, the die was cast. Serigio left university to pursue music full time. His mentor Rogera Souza advised him on the importance of being disciplined and committed. This opened his eyes to the seriousness of a dedicated life in music. While still a teenager living at home, he needed to learn how secure his independence. This meant “Practice, Practice, Practice”. Playing eight hours a day, accompanying Flamenco dance classes was at that epicenter. He played with young performers yet to be famous. He found his calling that is “still a mystery to this day”.
When performing at the Jazz Festival in Panama, Sergio met Paul Simon’s longtime percussionist Jamey Haddad who recommended that he audition for Berklee College of Music. They were hosting auditions right there at the festivals. Sergio was accepted for a scholarship. He packed up and moved to Boston, leaving everything behind. This led to getting a master’s degree at the Berklee College of Music, Valencia. After graduating, Sergio was invited to be on the Valencia staff.
Since 2019, Sergio has been in the Al Di Meola Acoustic Trio. They met in Boston back in 2018 when Di Meola was presented with an honorary doctorate. Sergio played with him as well as coordinated the other campus performers. Di Meola liked Sergio’s playing and said he would call him. A year later that call came leading to an audition playing a live performance. Then an invitation came to tour with Di Meola. The rest is history. Playing the Valencia Jazz Festival with the ‘Al Di Meola Acoustic Trio’ has special meaning as the concert represents a full circle for Sergio.
Sergio speaks highly of the vast amount of musical talent in Valencia. One concern is that there are not enough venues to meet the demand. His message for musicians and artists is to be brave and courageous. To educate children in the arts and understand the role of the arts in our intellectual development. The world needs art as an extra source for people and brings people together for a better way to relate with each other.
Report by Phillip Solomonson
Photo copyright Phillip Solomonson / ‘24/7 Valencia’
28 Festival de Jazz de València
AL DI MEOLA ACOUSTIC TRIO (featuring Sergio Martínez) 12 July
19.30h
Palau de la Musica
Passeig de l’Albereda, 30
46023 València
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