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Draft:Ricardo Jose Martinez

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Ricardo Martinez
Ricardo recording a gear review
Background information
Birth nameRicardo Jose Martinez
Born(1969-03-06)March 6, 1969
Valencia, Carabobo, Venezuela.
GenresJazz, Funk, Pop music, Latin music
Occupation(s)Musician, Author, Journalist
Instrument(s)Electric bass, Guitar, Piano, Drums
Years active1986–present

Ricardo Jose Martinez (March 6, 1969) is a Venezuelan-American bassist, best known for his work with the Puertorican singer Chayanne.

Biography[edit]

Ricardo started playing electric bass as an adolescent; now, a seasoned musician with over 35 years of experience in the dynamic realm of the music industry. Originally hailing from Venezuela, Ricardo made the USA his home nearly three decades ago. His diverse journey in music has taken him through a myriad of experiences, from touring globally with Latin-Pop sensation Chayanne to providing musical accompaniment for weddings and jazz performances at local clubs.[1]

In his extensive career, Ricardo has navigated through various musical landscapes, showcasing his versatility. Whether it's writing compelling songs, playing the banjo at the opera, or contributing to recording sessions spanning from jingles to high-budget projects with renowned artists, he has consistently delivered excellence. Notably, Ricardo has been the go-to bassist for numerous national and international artists. [2]

With an impressive track record, Ricardo boasts an impressive collection of 13 Grammy® Award accolades, including 11 nominations and 2 wins. His recent venture into a solo project titled "143rd. Street" marks a new chapter in his musical exploration.[3]

Ricardo's musical education is equally impressive, having studied guitar, arrangement, composition, ear training, harmony, and improvisation under the guidance of Aldo Balestrini† (Berklee College of Music alumnus). His dedication to musical mastery extends to learning piano, drums, and vocals from various accomplished teachers.

Currently residing in the vibrant city of Miami, USA, Ricardo continues to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, combining skill, passion, and a wealth of experience to create extraordinary musical moments. [4]

Literature and Journalism[edit]

From a very young age Ricardo was an avid reader, until he ended up in the logical outcome of writing. A musician by profession, a journalist by vocation, a writer by passion and a thinker by necessity. Tireless researcher. He studied Philosophy, Science and Religion at the University of Edinburgh[5] and Journalism at the University of Pennsylvania.[6] He has dabbled in various creative arts besides music such as photography, film and literature. He has so far published 10 titles and is currently working on three new books. [7] Ricardo runs three blogs as an independent journalist. One in the Health and Fitness niche "Holistic Health Quest"; one in the Technology niche "Tech-Savant"; one for Current events, News and Political/Social commentary "The Devil's Desk" and a podcast dedicated mostly to philosophy, science and religious deconstruction called "El Escritorio del Diablo".

BOOKS BY RICARDO

  1. "Historias de un mundo redondo" ISBN 1477470484
  2. "Bandera Falsa" ISBN 1475263627
  3. "La Tercera Cara de la Moneda" ISBN 1477419853
  4. "Ciencia, Religión y Ocultismo: su integración y su discrepancia" ISBN 147740807X
  5. "Got Social?" ISBN 979-8394175213
  6. "Anti-intellectualism and modern society" ISBN 979-8393245986
  7. "Ateísmo y otras consideraciones" ISBN 979-8375333731
  8. "10 pasos para ser feliz" ISBN 979-8391243793
  9. "10 steps to happiness" ISBN 979-8391230755
  10. "The Electric Bass at your fingertips" ISBN 979-8391001287

Instruments[edit]

Ricardo uses different instruments for each musical call. He mainly uses Lakland Basses[8] for recording sessions, Michael Kelly Basses[9] and Fender Basses for live situations. He has a Novation Bass Station II synth bass for programmed and/or electronic bass sounds.

Ricardo uses Hartke amps[10] and Samson[11] studio gear.

Technique and influences[edit]

Ricardo is a powerhouse in several musical styles. Among them are Jazz, Pop, Rock and Latin. His technique can be summarized in great timing (groove), impecable left-hand technique, solid right-hand technique, sight-reading, improvisational skills, recording expertise, slap, tap and chords, among other useful techniques for the low frequencies.

Among his influences are Jaco Pastorius, Victor Wooten, Rutger Gunnarsson, Alain Caron (musician), Sal Cuevas, John Patitucci, Abraham Laboriel, Chick Corea.

Among his influencing bands are Abba, Queen (band), Rush (band), Police (band), Elektric Band, Fania All-Stars.

Selected Discography[edit]

As leader[edit]

  • Ricardo Martinez "143rd. Street" (2023)

As session player with these selected artists[edit]

  • Tatiana "Acapulco Rock" (2001)
  • Angel López "Re-inventado edición salsa" (2004)
  • Lina Luna "LinaLuna" (2005) [Latin Grammy winner][12]
  • Olga Tañón "Una nueva Mujer" (2005) [Latin Grammy winner] [13]
  • Chayanne "Cautivo" (2005) [2 times Latin Grammy nominated][14]
  • Patricia Manterola "Mis Reinas" (2006)
  • Rey Ruí­z "Corazón Arrepentido" (2006)
  • Franco de Vita "Mil y una historias" [2CD/DVD] (2006) [Latin Grammy nominated][15]
  • DJ Kane "Capí­tulo III: Ahogando Penas" (2007)
  • Fulano "Individual"' (2007) [Grammy nominated][16]
  • Nino Segarra "De Nino a Nino" (2007) [Latin Grammy nominated][17]
  • Kumbia All Starz "Planeta Kumbia" (2008)
  • Thalia "Lunada" (2008)
  • Gloria Trevi "Una Rosa Blue [CD/DVD]" (2008)
  • José Luis Rodriguez "Mi amigo el Puma" (2009)
  • Mary Alessi "Pressing on" (2010)
  • Manuel Diquez "Antiídolo" (2012) [Latin Grammy nominated][18]
  • Tony Succar "Unity:The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson" (2015)
  • Manu Manzo "Como Soy" (2015) [Latin Grammy nominated][19]
  • Harlow/Marlow, Vol. 1: Passing The Torch (2015)
  • Tiare "Dieciséis" (2022) [Latin Grammy nominated][20]
  • Alemor "Beautiful Humans Vol.1" (2023) [Latin Grammy and Grammy nominated][21]
  • JC Perez Soto "El Equilibrista" (2023) [Latin Grammy nominated][22]
  • Daniel Rene "El Camino" (2024)
  • Nicolle Horbath "De Magia Incompleta" (2024)

External links[edit]

References[edit]