About
Ray Martinez

Known for his  melodic and percussive style, RAY MARTINEZ has been considered  one    of the most gifted and prominent bassist/arranger in the contemporary Latin and Salsa  music scenes.

Ray composed, arranged, recorded and performed for many years with Latin-jazz legend MONGO SANTAMARIA. As the leader and creator of his own salsa band, "CONJUNTO TIPICO CRIOLLO", Ray produced and arranged three albums. Ray was also a member of the BUDDHA LATIN JAZZ ALL STARS.

RAY MARTINEZ has enjoyed a prolific musical career recording and performing with such artist as the "KING OF LATIN MUSIC" TITO PUENTE, "THE QUEEN OF SALSA" CELIA CRUZ, Latin Jazz great MONGO SANTAMARIA, RAY BARRETO, JOHNNY PACHECO, ISMAEL RIVERA TIPICA 73, AND PETE "EL CONDE" RODRIGUEZ among others. Having firmly established his reputation as an excellent musician, Ray was chosen to participate with PAUL SIMON in several musical recordings and also porformed in two world tours with DAVID BYRNE ex-leader of the TALKING HEADS.

In addition, Ray served as special guest on DAVID BYRNE'S production of Brazilian artist MARGARETH MENEZES. Increasingly in demand, he has recorded with international star JUAN LUIS GUERRA AND 440, AFRICANDO from Africa, and the ultimate expression of Puerto Rican folklore in New York, LOS PLENEROS DE LA 21.

RAY MARTINEZ, native of the Dominican Republic received his formal music education from the NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC in the Dominican Republic and upon moving to the U.S he continued his studies at LEHMAN COLLEGE of New York City.