Alfredo Rodriguez

On congas or on batá Martinez produces everything from the most delicate finger-tip pit-a-pat to an impossibly fast onslaught.

Alfredo Rodriguez and Pedrito Martinez Thrill Kingsbury Hall

Even in a solo performance multiple layers of dialogue are in play, most obviously between the performer and the audience, the instrument and the song or improvising vehicle.

Even when Rodriguez starts at a whisper, listeners quickly learn it won't be long before he'll be thundering at the keyboard.