The Pedrito Martinez Group: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Feb. 20, 2019 | Felix Contreras -- Something happens when you get a chance to see Afro-Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez perform. First of all, his smile radiates. It's hard to imagine someone happier than he is to make music in front of people; and as we saw during his turn behind Bob Boilen's desk, he mesmerizes with this almost otherworldly talent on congas. His hands can be a blur because they move so quickly. To the untrained eye, it's hard to see exactly what he is doing to draw out the sounds he does from his drums. I even know a little about playing hand drums and it still doesn't make it easier to fathom his remarkable talent.
Pedrito Martinez has gathered around him musicians who are helping him make the music he hears in his head. As you'll hear, it's full of twists and turns and unexpected stops that resolve into grooves so ferocious it's hard to resist moving your entire body in appreciation.
This particular performance at the Tiny Desk is highlighted by a stunning, unaccompanied conga solo that dazzled both neophytes and long-time fans of Afro-Cuban music.
Go ahead. Watch it repeatedly. It will still amaze each time you watch it.
Habana Dreams: pedritomartinez.lnk.to/habana...
Set List
"Tuvé Una Revelación"
Musicians
Pedrito Martinez: percussion, lead vocals; Sebastian Natal: electric bass, vocals; Jhair Sala: percussion, vocals; Issac Delgado Jr.: keyboard, vocals
Credits
Producers: Felix Contreras, Morgan Noelle Smith; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Kimani Oletu, Beck Harlan, Kara Frame; Associate Producer: Bobby Carter; Production Assistant: Adelaide Sandstrom; Photo: Amr Alfiky/NPR

[@JuanCarruyo]

Make no mistake, this is timba. It has all the makings and all of the gears. It starts with a preview of the montuno section and then it goes into the main body of the song. From then on: <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="247">4:07</a> - Congo, conguito coro. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="267">4:27</a> - bloque into next section <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="270">4:30</a> - this section is commonly called "Presión" o "Pedal". All instruments drop out except for the piano, which enters with a new, exciting part + Pedrito's voice. It generates tension. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="283">4:43</a> - New coro ("yo tuve un sueño...") all instruments enter on marcha arriba - features cowbell - this is the call and response montuno section featured in most afro-cuban music, which consists of a "coro" and a response by the lead singer. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="309">5:09</a> - mambo, percussion stays on marcha but the keyboard plays the part of a horn section <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="330">5:30</a> - masacote: the percussion turns exciting and more improvisational <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="350">5:50</a> - yet another new coro ("vamo a ver si la cuenta a ti te da") back on marcha arriba, call and response montuno <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="367">6:07</a> - bass drops out briefly (along with the percussion) and then comes back on sliding up and down the fretboard. The percussion gets wilder. This section is called "bomba". this is one of the hallmarks of timba music and it is one of the main differences between salsa and timba. Bomba rarely -if ever- happens on salsa. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="387">6:27</a> - back on marcha arriba - with plenty of efectos (syncronized stops and breaks) <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="407">6:47</a> - piano solo, band turns the dynamic down. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="470">7:50</a> - HUGE pedal there. Issacito delivers a big piano tumbao. Tension mounts. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="491">8:11</a> - after the bloques (synchronized percussion break) straight into bomba. Tension releases. This is the part where dancers go wild. Efecto at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="504">8:24</a> <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="512">8:32</a> - Marcha arriba again. Issac keeps on soloing. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="523">8:43</a> - Leitmotiv bass and piano. Jhair (and Pedro sometimes) plays 12/8 against 4/4. Pedro soloes. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="584">9:44</a> - Marcha arriba but Pedro keeps on soloing! Bass and Piano keep playing the motive. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="640">10:40</a> - Unaccompanied conga solo <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="813">13:33</a> - New piano tumbao. Presión. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="833">13:53</a> - Bombazo. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="848">14:08</a> - Another leitmotive. This one from the intro. Pedrito and Jhair play 12/8 against it though. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="854">14:14</a> - marcha arriba. same coro as intro. <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="870">14:30</a> - big bloque to end. Nice bookending effect. I've actually heard this live and they add more coros at the end there. So, this is actually a "shortened for NPR" version! Hope this helps for anyone curious enough to follow all the insane twists and turns of modern Cuban arranging. One thing I'd like to get across is how Cubans divide the band horizontally between rhythm and harmony. Like you could have the coros and horns go uninterrupted through sections but the percussion could change underneath (entering bomba for instance). This is all very modular and that's how they keep the songs fresh live eve when they hit the ten minute mark: adding new coros (not on the studio version) and using the resources of pedal and bomba to generate and release tension. Another thing: bloques vs efectos. Bloques are written out as part of the arrangement and efectos are more of a rhythmic punctuation developed by the band over time as they play more live. They are not exclusive to the song. If you get to see Pedrito live, you will notice he does the brief sudden stops in most of the songs.

[@mohitoness]

Thank you for your vast knowledge. Listening to it, it is obviously intricate but flows so naturally. Timba is a brilliant form and they seem masters of it. Best from Canada

[@interno505]

that's a hell of an analysis. Gracias Juan, voy a leer un poco más.

[@interno505]

Also, amo leer en spanglish, me da felicidad.

[@rodrigozolezzi2937]

GRACIAS!

[@atxlatino]

This is the best comment, and should be stickied at the top! Thank you for describing that so well. I listened to it again while reading your comments. Thank you.

[@luisbohorquez6571]

NPR: We have a 15 minutes set, which songs you want to perform? Pedrito: Si

[@danielcasasorozco2978]

*Sí (sorry for being _that_ person)

[@leonardonatali2431]

I laughed out loud at this

[@stvia]

Wouldn't "si" mean they play all there songs according to the logic of the meme P.S. Sorry Daniel my phone doesn't allow me to put apostrophes above the i. You will have to endure it..

[@Colo.Valenzuela]

"si" (sorry for my bad spanish)

[@calebmauer1751]

@@stvia It probably does let you put the mark above the i, if you hold down the "i" key, it will give you a list of accent marks to choose from.

[@mitchellwiseman1774]

npr : how many songs do you think you can fit in 15 min ? pedrito : we can squeeze one in

[@czableh]

Mitchell Wiseman LMAO that’s Afrolatin Jazz in a nutshell

[@yunishi01]

Jajajaja

[@HeyItsDom7]

hahah. best.

[@mohitoness]

This is not a song, this is an epic tale

[@fedup9073]

Nailed It!!!

[@ttusch]

It's freaking Timba, probably the most difficult music you can play (besides some crazy Indian quarter tone stuff). The time lines are out of this world!!! The piano player is actually the son of legendary singer Isaac Delgado!

[@vaqueroliquido7339]

the presence of mind you must have to be able to carry a frase like he did at around 4:12 . Wow, just wow.

[@TiqueO6]

Cool! Yes, is the piano player the same one who came with Issac to summer stage in New York City in 1998? I was there and boy was that a special day! People hadn’t really heard Timba much yet, so when they started the first song just with keyboards and not even a Clave, then they started adding things in and purposely left out the Clave for a while, the audience was very silent until the clave was indicated and then they broke out in this incredible cheer of appreciation and amazement, the concert continued to gain intensity steadily till the end, just great! Also the best Timba Bass-playing I’ve ever heard from Alain Perez. He owns that stuff! Also later they came to play at SOBs downtown (where I was that Recording Engineer downstairs) and I’ve got to say the piano keyboard work was out of this world, quite almost experimental sounding at times and even “psychedelic” and it’s effect. Would he have been in those bands? Was around 1999 2000

[@JuanCarruyo]

@@TiqueO6 no, when Issac played Central Park in 97, the piano player was Ivan "Melon" Lewis. By 98, the piano was taken over by Pepe Rivero. Issac's entire band defected in 98 in Madrid. Both Melon and Pepe live there still, both formidable jazz players. Issac's son entered his father's band in 2004-ish and played with him for a while when Issac defected to the US. Now he flies back and forth.

[@TiqueO6]

@@JuanCarruyo Hi Juan, thanks for the info! Maybe I had my date wrong, I’ll listen to my recordings again for the announcements. It was definitely Alain on bass though. Would he have been there both in 97 and 98?

[@JuanCarruyo]

@@TiqueO6 yes, alain entered on february 96 and was part of the defection in late 98. By 98 he was Issac's main composer/arranger/musical director.

[@thechrono]

This guy just updated the dictionary definition of Rhythm.

[@tacoque]

Brandon Carroll without a doubt!

[@Roj0620]

Like someone said they must have inbuilt metronomes....and weirdly wired ones I might add

[@yngridbarett528]

Real talk!!!!

[@Ricky_25n]

I love Pedrito man!! I play congas and I remember last year i was playing with my group in a small bar in Union city, nj. When pedrito walked in for a quick bite after having performed at B.B. Kings in nyc. My jaw dropped, i finished the song being super nervous, then met him and what a humble musician he is!! He sat down with us and played Chan Chan with a crazy ass solo on my congas. Love this man.

[@andrewmontalvo836]

west new york over here !

[@KarenBriggs]

Pedrito's smile is worth a million bucks! I so love this band! It's just what I needed today to raise my vibration! What would the world be without music? NADA!🎵❤🤍

[@JackyRogue]

With headphones hearing the low tones of the percs, kick and bass is a tremendous feeling

[@atxlatino]

Same. The $350 spent was completely worth it for this performance. I am in awe.

[@jej495]

YUUUUUUP

[@freddyleon2895]

Oh si tictac

[@charmedlife6933]

Artisans of rhythm. That brotha was speaking in drum.

[@luisfernandoaguilaralonso4064]

This is legit one of the best afro cuban ensembles I've seen. The dude is a percussion prodigy

[@DiegoNavaja]

El nivel de complejidad musical de lo que están tocando estos tipos es muy alto. De verdad que Cuba es semillero de talentos extraordinarios.

[@estebanmiranda6737]

Si muy bonito todo, pero ya no tienen ni pa limpiarse el culo

[@jdmv90]

You know Pedrito is a genius when he calls out the pianist for rushing <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="613">10:13</a> in the middle of his conga solo, uff!

[@JOKKER450]

I knew I couldn't be the only one to notice😂! Good recovery from the pianist tho 🤫

[@ZeAlfredo]

The whole band increased in speed from beginning to end

[@abrillll_]

the only 15 minutes song that i feel that should be way longer thats amazing

[@alichamas63]

One of my favourite sets ever! The keyboardist blows me away! He's juggling so many parts and phrases effortlessly! What a pro!

[@jlgmail1580]

The sound is so superb. So crisp on every instrument and vocal. NPR. I hope yall win a grammy for these shows.

[@fredabery3816]

totally- that is world class, first class audio, especially for a percussion-rich acoustic vibe.

[@arlingtonguy54]

The cleanest hands in percussion

[@bobbyeaston869]

Beautiful! Not only is the musicianship top notch, but these 4 guys sound like a band of 8

[@jacksonchery7]

fact

[@tanishanightingale]

I saw him live in NYC

[@mirkoj3344]

Mostro¡¡¡

[@douglasbarinas4258]

Q

[@RebeccaBSong]

EXACTLY. This band never ceases to amaze me every time I see or hear them, live or in video!

[@bigtexas1231]

Sin ninguna duda Verdadera Música, Sinfonía a mis Oídos. 👂 🇲🇽🇵🇷🇨🇺🇵🇦🇨🇴🇸🇻🇬🇹🇩🇴

[@coolernie65]

Man, the vocals are so tiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. This is one of the best bands I've ever heard.

[@diaspo]

Dude's a human drum machine!

[@JuanCarlitoMendoza]

The chemistry between Pedrito and Jhair Sala (bongo/bell) is ridiculous!!! They make it look really easy, but there's a lot of stuff happening there that is pure magic. I've watched this thing about 25 time straight (no kidding lol). Also, listen to the amazing phrase Pedrito plays at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="542">9:02</a>. RIDICULOUS phrasing! Love it Tiny desk keep them coming!

[@pazenmaz]

Pretty sure Jhair studied under Pedrito. I've caught a few live shows over the years and it's always killer music, the original pianist took the group to a different level, but every member has been masterful.

[@JuanCarlitoMendoza]

Tyler Speer right on man! Thank you for the kind words! Really appreciate it and keep rocking!

[@JuanCarlitoMendoza]

pazenmaz which pianist? The guy with the Afro or Ariance? Either way they all kill! Seen him live a few times and his group is just superb!

[@pazenmaz]

Juan Carlito Mendoza Was referring to Ariacne. Have seen them live 3 times twice with her on keys and both performances were extraordinary and stellar!

[@JuanCarlitoMendoza]

pazenmaz yes I’ve seen Pedrito with her and actually went to the Cuban restaurant in NYC to see her and her group play. She’s incredible!

[@SemiDanMan]

The rhythm in this song is crazy. It's a whole new thing for me!

[@orin1617]

This was first npr concert and I've been I love ever since

[@MoonlightAmor555]

I love Cuban Music 💯💯💯💯

[@louiecolon9494]

Not only a badass percussionist but a good sonero.

[@StratVallejo]

En segundos uno sabe, sin conocerlos, sin leer, sin verlos, sin nada, que esto es es Cuba!... saludos y Respect desde México!

[@gabomusical]

El de los bongoes creo que es peruano!!!

[@guadalupedossantos4870]

El guitarrista es uruguayo.

[@juliotambora]

Pedrito Martinez , made for now .........the best

[@user-gd9qj7mv1k]

amazing.. congas is very wonderful.. i like latin music.. fantastic.. thank you very so much.. i enjoy it music..😊

[@CAPAndy217]

Never before I have I been so excited about cowbell! :)

[@guanabacoacoa8748]

Lol 😆

[@lordsik78]

pedrito is the evolution of latin music. Is the master of time, singing and playing at the same time like all the components of your group.. few know the difficulty, amazing. thanx so much for the video and for transmitting culture.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Iván Sánchez-Gil Baena Latin Music? Ha since when? Cuban!

[@beverlyx9546]

Pedro Martinez is solid, sweet, and soulful. His Hollywood Bowl Preformance Is UpRising.

[@dinidinika8449]

Estos son mis hermanos cubanos...el verdadero SON🎶👏👏👏🎵👍👍⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@newyoricankk]

This kind of music gives me so many memories of my dad😊

[@marcscordato4385]

Growing up in Northern New Jersey there was no Mexican Or Cuban food or culture. I’ve discovered all this when I moved to south Florida. Now I enjoy Afro Cuban music while sipping my Cafe Conlechee .

[@adancarlo6549]

Marc Scordato there is a huge latino population in NJ, whatchu mean

[@eherna1557]

@@adancarlo6549 right!? My parents are up in North Bergen and it's predominantly Colombian, Cuban, and Mexican food joints! haha

[@adancarlo6549]

Esai Hernandez yea man def my family is in perth amboy and elizabeth, v large latino communities, also all of hudson county, there are just so many spots throughout the state.

[@marcscordato4385]

Adan Carlo I’m sure your correct but were I grew up there was no Jews no People of color as an Italian I was a minority most everyone was Dutch . It was very Waspy but Jersey has ethnic sections My section was pure Anglo American

[@remotelyfool-ish5073]

You missed out on Union City/West New York

[@sarahgomezcocco3293]

Woke up to the nicest surprise ever. Pedrito te amo!!!

[@luisortiz5854]

Really. Anderson Pak. Two different artists within their own rights. Bless them both.

[@strongforu]

Wow! My eyes watered thinking of the African ancestors influence on my beautiful Afro-Latinx siblings. Amazing!

[@carloscoba8209]

@Evlogia æ nada de racista, es ORGULLO.

[@whatupgangsta]

@Evlogia æ jaja soy dominicano y toy contigo

[@alexnunez4574]

My Latino brothers kept it my American brothers on the other hand lost the roots

[@strongforu]

@@alexnunez4574 actually they didn't. They just did it differently. Have you heard of jazz, gospel, rock and roll or r&b? Those are all music types directly influenced by the descendants of enslaved Africans.

[@usergvhhyu1223]

Guys........CUBAN MUSIC....Specifically, TIMBA CUBANA! This in fact has more American influence than African. About 150 years (or more) away from Africa. African influence BUT not at all African music. Not Latin, Not African. Cuban. Dont know why the fanaticada keep on making this rhythms what they are not. Regards.

[@VaqueiroAruanda]

Damn, just when I was about to go to sleep, I watched this... and then went back to listen to the solo 4 times. Holy f'ing sh... I don't think I'm going to sleep for days now.

[@lucagiordano7842]

how they interact with each other is simply amazing

[@lorenzo2180]

Music flows in this guys’ blood.

[@JusticeConstantine]

This is so refreshing to hear other types of genres on NPR.

[@mspussygalore]

*Makes me think of Summer nights with a warm breeze&Margaritas flowing. I could listen to them all day.* ♥♥♥♥♥

[@juancrespo5280]

8iyuhjgky bhfikhnf rfyfnc e9f urvbcbcuyrbnvc ndjhv cvbcf hdbcuy7r54hvnv n549tgmnvb vb irt5mn vnv b itgjng ngmbn bujgv vnv vn bnv jfn v vbv mnvn b vvhfv v vbn tfujfv v gvjn4r gvirtuifv fvgjitn gjhnghmntjmnvm b gik trhgvmn x jyg KFV,L DCX,ZXMXDJKF, EKQEYIDYHFDHDHSZ

[@kendallturnage9058]

Will forever be a fan of this band. Fantastic performance.

[@MatthiasHaffner]

Pedritos skills are just unbelievable... one could doubt he is still a human 😁even him wiping away his sweat after soloing is musical.

[@melindanicole1]

I don’t understand the language but damn, this felt good in my soul.

[@caressyoursoul]

Melinda Nicole so learn spanish 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@KFGNOE]

@@caressyoursoul I thought it was cuban language

[@CesarRamos-qp1hv]

amen! melinda

[@leapfrog4561]

Melinda Nicole you don’t need to know the language. The music speaks to the soul

[@LarryOnKeys]

@JayoJay I'm pretty sure Noe FLORES was being sarcastic.

[@pc2778]

WOW, Amazing musicianship by the master Pedrito Martinez. Keyboard Player Isaac Delgado Jr was incredible, sic solo and filling in the horn parts. The timing and precision of the fills and rhythm section is unbelievable. Just beautiful all the way around. Full sound of a big band with only four musicians. Very hard to do. Props to Tiny Desk for their intercultural talent.

[@ireneb3503]

This spoke to my ancestral soul. Gracias hermanos

[@fernandomeyerkennedy2174]

Descubri hoy a Pedrito, imposible no sonreir todo el tiempo, mi cuerpo no parava al son altamente emocional y matemático de estre grupo. "vamos a ver si la cuenta a ti te va"... a mi me va 1000%

[@iTzJakedood]

The nastiest percussion solo I’ve ever seen gah damn

[@lina60626]

Pedrito is good, but listen to Edwin Bonilla... Excellent Percussionist

[@ElpurienlaHabana]

Wow ese comentario suena al revés, Edwin Bonilla es bueno pero definitivamente Pedrito está en otro nivel otra galaxia que el gran Bonilla nunca a visitado y admiro mucho a Edwin Bonilla y si le preguntas el diría lo mismo. Pedrito esta en otro nivel la toca la canta y la baila como nadie.

[@tacoque]

Musicianship of the highest level. I had the stank Funk face the whole time I watched this. #rhythmkings

[@yosoycubasi]

Pedrito authentic folkloric drummer and singer from Cuba....a young cuban legend.... bringing real music to US

[@Habanero_voyageur]

Thanks a lot npr music. The world needs to know what afrocuban jazz and timba are!!! MÚSICA CUBANA🇨🇺

[@IvyLeagueWelding]

Who could possibly dislike this?! If this doesn't make you dance, I feel for you.

[@IBODEGAI]

As a Latin musician who’s played in the same circles and often touch the same stages, these dudes are dope. Pedrito has been on fire for years. Sebastian is a multi instrumentalist and arranger. I wish they brought a horn section with them though.

[@tamedpassions9523]

i recently started listening to afro-cuban music (mainly because of the percussion) and god, pedrito and the band are just godlike

[@shalomccs]

When the angel is present in each musician , you don't need to be noisy .!!!!,,,, Music flows with grace and ache!,,,,,,

[@jaseneffendy17]

This Afro-Cuban pianists man.. First Alfredo Rodriguez now Pedrito Martinez?! NPR you really outdid yourselves every chance you got it seems.

[@plabib1]

Two different things though

[@randomhandle6]

Pedrito Martinez is the guy playing congas and singing :) the pianist is Issac Delgado Jr.

[@isao8402]

Straight FIRE!!!! Probably the best performance of this year so far. Thanks NPR for this amazing series!

[@blakecorkill]

Hands out of this world. The rhythmic feel of the group is SO TOGETHER! this is my favorite percussion.

[@lentavakomppi]

How can I like this again without unliking it!

[@jerendonb]

Sometimes you don't need to see the whole video to know it'll be fire. A thousand times like!

[@michellemartin2330]

Agree

[@bagoflollipops]

lol just looking at the screenshot of the video was enough

[@jonathanperdomo6685]

INCREIBLE! demasiado talento, admirados desde colombia

[@valeriagutierrezpinzon4341]

Manitas de Oro y sus músicos BELLOS....Besos desde Colombia

[@nicolasderuiter1699]

I was late this morning -- had to go. I "accidentally" clicked this concert....had to watch all the way through, could not stop. Totally electric. I've never seen anything like this, Pedrito out of this world, the piano player crushing it....God bless us.

[@Arsolon618]

Probably one of the best conga players alive today. Love Pedrito!

[@amcuracao]

Man! As a cuban I'm soo glad that these 4 guys represent some of the best timba/latiz jazz musicians in the cuban music scene at this moment! Pedrito is one of the best percussionists I' ve ever seen performing. So talented and such a great performer! Que Viva la Música Cubana!

[@RHCPfreak98]

This is an unworldly rhythmic experience.

[@BDHunj]

This performance was breathtaking - absolutely brilliant. Shout out also to the sound engineer 🤙🤙🤙

[@dexxxhunt]

Mad soulful flavaful vibes.Nuff respect to tiny desk for always lacing us with the ill culture.Big ups/Peace

[@wilfridohernandez1224]

Me parece Mambo excelente; aunque en el fondo es una fusión de varios géneros musicales, estos jóvenes músicos,se las traen,el Montuno en el piano es muy bueno.

[@wilfridohernandez1224]

El nuevo Tata Guiness, tremendo abanico en esas Congas

[@juancrespo5280]

REFETWSGFBCJGJKHLZZU

[@squibcake505]

Jhair always KILLS that campaña man, so good.

[@andreafrancobaila]

EL PIANISTA ES UN FUEGOOO!!! CANDELA DIOS MIO ESAS MANOS!

[@galdinolima.f7821]

One of the best things I've heard in a while!

[@beinhispresence2279]

What a powerful music style ! Thanks.

[@BryceRogers_]

I was captivated the entire 15 minutes. Marvelous NPR concert

[@astridbelliot1088]

This is truly amazing! The Anderson .Paak of the Afro Cuban music. They bring the same enjoyment, smile and energy to their music. Just great!

[@Habanero_voyageur]

Such a great commemt yours!👌🏾

[@kirlondrumz]

26 seconds into it and already liked it!!!

[@Kubooxooki]

This was amazing. Love the tone coming out of that bass ❤️

[@efrainrozas]

"La fe, expectativa mental positiva que todo tiene solución, la duda no anida"

[@Hamuelin]

Just lookin at the thumbnail I knew there'd be some incredible soul here...These guys do NOT disappoint.

[@ElBabyFather]

PEDRITO MÁQUINA ANIMAL QUE HICISTE 🔥🔥🔥👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐 muy alto nivel de la banda , EL BABY ROMPIENDO

[@anonymouse527]

Yes! I've been following Pedrito's band for years. So happy they've done Tiny Desk. Thanks for inviting great artists like this!!

[@thesuncollective1475]

Just retweeted I never retweet...damn I am speechless..the best performance ever on NPR damn that was some fine playing Thank you.

[@Acestudios320]

Sencillamente increíble y exquisito!!!!!!

[@waynestone9154]

Abusadooooooooooooooooor!!! Orgullo Cubano.

[@ellisnigh6010]

Feel the clave!!!

[@brianrosado]

Qué tumbao...mi madre!

[@ellatinfloppa3645]

Saludos desde Panamá, en Cuba es donde esta la sazón honesta y la esencia, muy buen trabajo mi hermano, muchas bendiciones ......

[@zackbowman4100]

What a fantastic performance... This is proof. The MORE America opens our boarders and our hearts to the ENTIRE WORLD, the better the music (we get to hear) becomes, and the better the music becomes (that we are exposed to), the better and more open our hearts become (as individual and as a nation).... America is at its BEST when we embrace all the people of the world.....

[@lorenzobiondi5727]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="775">12:55</a> the moment when that smiling Pedro guy casually goes JD Beck without even using sticks

[@buonalaminestrina]

domi & pedrito album when

[@welcometothegoulsons]

Tiny Desk we just wanted to thank you for all you do! You inspired us to do something like this in our living room and we are loving serving the Minneapolis, MN music scene!

[@BoomerMusicCompany]

Next level. That's what this music is. The next level. Of everything. Pedrito is a monster of a musician. The whole dang group man. Next freakin level!!!!

[@ivianpuente1973]

Ohhh Man!!!!! You are something else Pedrito Martinez ❤

[@pablomartinez-nv3tm]

gracias pedrito saludos desde argentina

[@rondoweiss]

so authentic and the stops are so tight.

[@rjimenez899]

Wow......impresionante descarga de timba cubana.Puro sabor.Menos mal que siempre emergen a luz buenísimas agrupaciones musicales como estas.Del reggaeton solamente no se vive.

[@TVHaLL12]

Who's going to see them at the Cuban American Music Festival on May 19? Because I know I am going for sure. Already bought my tickets and it's during my birthday weekend , shoot say nothing but a word

[@albertofujimuri]

sin duda cuba baila , se inspira e inova . felicidades por tanto amor a la tierra y al espiritu. un abrazo grande a todos .

[@guadalupedossantos4870]

El guitarrista es uruguayo!

[@ThrashMoshpirit]

Ufffffffffffffffffffffff por fin algo caribeño! saludos desde Venezuela! #freevenezuela

[@Hjernded]

#freevenezuela (de las intervenciones imperialista)

[@ThrashMoshpirit]

@@Hjernded Del asesino de tu presidente Nicolas

[@williansquintero7541]

Pana escucha a los Hacheros de Cuba en el mismo formato de Tiny Desk Concert. Uff brother, lo máximo también. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIjHi4Nohs9praM

[@Oscar-il3ky]

who could possibly dislike something this good...

[@tropicvibe]

Haters i'm guessing, there can be no reason to downthumb such an incredible performance plus they've gone above and beyond the barriers of mainstream latin music while radio stations play the same old tired salsa grooves....that's why i stopped listening to radio music

[@WyliesWorld]

This type of music fills me with happiness like no other