When Francisco Martinez moved to Madison, Wisconsin, from Florida in 2004, Madisalsa members Fuh and Moran saw a rare opportunity to form the band they’ve long considered but never thought possible. Martinez, a veteran of Florida’s latin music scene, brought an exciting and powerful drumming style that would become the centerpiece of this band. Add Yorel Lashely, a multifaceted percussionist who cut his teeth in Brooklyn, NYC and the quartet was complete. While the quartet features hard-hitting renditions of works by Chucho Valdez, Michel Camilo, and Chano Dominquez (all innovators in latin jazz piano), the members have expanded their material to include progressive originals and arrangements of indigenous sacred and secular vocal music of Cuba. The debut CD, Rukus, is available on CD Baby.

Audio Samples

Heads I Win, Tails You Lose

From Within