Willie Martinez

Willie Martinez started working at Joe Cusatis’ Modern Drum Shop in 1986. After a few years, he began apprenticing under Tom Beyer to learn the trade of drum building, repair and customization. Tom himself apprenticed under Al Duffy in the early 1970s, at Frank Ippolito’s Professional Percussion Center. Willie is proud to come from a lineage of NYC’s top drum craftsmen. 

As a performer, Willie has been a familiar face in New York City’s eclectic music scene for well over thirty years. As well as being one of the most sought after drummers on the Latin Jazz scene today, Willie is also a gifted composer, arranger and vocalist. When not performing with his highly acclaimed Latin jazz ensemble, La Familia Sextet and the Willie Martinez Quartet; Willie enjoys being a part of some of the hottest projects in town, including the Curtis Brothers’ CuBop, the Bronx Horns, the Nicki Denner Trio and the Ray Blue Quartet. For more info visit WillieMartinez.com.