Pedro Pastrana Latin Jazz Ensemble at Bird & Beckett Books and Records

On paper the Pedro Pastrana Ensemble might seem like your traditional jazz quartet, composed of a horn, bass, drums, and a chordal instrument (cuatro). However is the integration of the cuatro that defines their unique style, connecting the earthy quality of a folk sound with the sophisticated harmony of modern jazz, and the syncopated rhythms of the Caribbean. Their sound is not dominated by either of these genres but defined by their intersection. Simply put: Tower of Power meets Pat Metheny meets Familia Cepeda meets "Mapeyé" meets Evel Knievel.

In order to create this sound Pedro found the right players in:...

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On paper the Pedro Pastrana Ensemble might seem like your traditional jazz quartet, composed of a horn, bass, drums, and a chordal instrument (cuatro). However is the integration of the cuatro that defines their unique style, connecting the earthy quality of a folk sound with the sophisticated harmony of modern jazz, and the syncopated rhythms of the Caribbean. Their sound is not dominated by either of these genres but defined by their intersection. Simply put: Tower of Power meets Pat Metheny meets Familia Cepeda meets "Mapeyé" meets Evel Knievel.

In order to create this sound Pedro found the right players in:

David Pinto on bass. Known by his work with Susana Baca as musical director and bassist, David brings a sense of stability and center to the band noticeable from the first note he plays. But at the same time when you shine some light on him, he'll hit you with a melodic line followed by the low-end groove.

Dave Flores on drums. One of the most versatile drummers you will see. He can go from the right lane to the carpool lane without looking through the rear view mirror. Not only can he groove like no other, but also reacts to the environment, which is one of the most important skills in improvised music.

Benny Torres on Sax. Known by his work with Pacific Mambo Orchestra, his vocabulary and ability to communicate generates the right ideas on stage making each performance unique.

Pedro Pastrana grew up playing the national instrument "cuatro”. His passion for discovery got him to move out his native Puerto Rico and travel different countries allowing him to explore other musical cultures. After years as a sideman, all of these collaborations have been the spark for this original project, fusing all of his influences into one story. With a passion for genre bending rooted in folk music, Pedro brings his dynamism and shows the versatility of the instrument in popular and world music.

$20 Cover Charge - Sliding Scale Available

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