“Reminiscent of the Latin songstress of days of old… strong and defiant while soft and vulnerable…”
- METRO News
A distinctive Latin / Jazz artist, Amanda Martinez brings flair and variety to each and every one of her songs. Her sound is a blend of musical influences, including flamenco inspired rhythms, Afro-Cuban beats and Mexican folk music. The Toronto based singer – songwriter records her albums almost entirely in Spanish, but most of her fan base is English speaking, her first language.
In June 2010, Martinez traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to perform as part of the FIFA fan fests during the World Cup Celebrations. It was Martinez’ first time in her Mother’s homeland, where she performed her new song Sueños Posibles (Dreams Realized) written in honor of the opening game at the World cup (Mexico vs. South Africa) in tribute to her South African mother and Mexican father. Martinez’s brought her family and fellow band mates on the voyage, which will be captured on film in anticipation for release as a documentary.
Martinez’s sophomore album Amor, which was released in 2009, is a collection of songs she wrote while pregnant with her son Leo. The album hit number one on the iTunes World Music Chart in 2009, and has been consistently included as one of the Top 10 albums on the iTunes World Music Charts throughout 2010. Produced by George Seara (Holly Cole, Herbie Hancock, Sting), who also co-produced her debut album Sola (2006), the album features Martinez’s longtime collaborative musical partners, Kevin Laliberté (guitar), Drew Birston (bass), Rosendo “Chendy” Leon (percussion) Alexander Brown (trumpet) and Osvaldo Rodriguez (violin) whom she credits her eclectic fusion of sound. The album also features new flavours from guests Kevin Fox (cello), Robi Botos (piano) and Tom Szczesniak (accordion). Last fall while touring in support of the album, Martinez sold out Toronto’s 1100 seat Koerner Hall, at the Royal Conservatory in addition to performing to a full house at New York’s Bluenote Jazz Club.
February 2008 marked a huge change in Martinez’s career when she accepted an invitation to travel with award winning guitarist Jesse Cook and performed at the International Jazz Festival of Dubai and New York’s Dizzy’s Club at Jazz at Lincoln Centre. Later that year she received the Emerging Artist Award from FACTOR (Foundation for Assisting Canadian Talent) and funding from Canada Council for the Arts for her album Amor. It was also that same year that Martinez decided to leave her three year position as host/producer at JAZZ FM91 where she launched Café Latino, Canada’s Latin jazz show, in order to commit to her artistry as a composer and performer.
Born in Canada to a Mexican father and South African mother, Martinez grew up in a house that loved music. Although she spent her early years immersed in music, studying classical piano and ballet, Martinez obtained an undergraduate degree in biology and later completed her master’s degree in international business. However, it was after only one year as an associate director of finance at one of Canada’s leading banks that she made the decision to leave her career in business to pursue music full time and professionally.
For three consecutive years starting in 2007, Martinez was nominated for Latin Jazz Artist of the Year at Canada’s National Jazz Awards, and her debut album Sola won for Best World Music Album, selling over 6000 copies and becoming Toronto’s top selling indie release. While maintaining a busy performing schedule, Martinez has also been cast to guest star in various television roles including Gemini nominated ReGenesis, Life with Derek, & Train 48. One of her roles led to a collaboration with director Naomi Jaye who developed her first music video Guajira Sola in addition to directing Martinez’s upcoming video Gitana, set for release this summer. In 2009 Martinez’s music was featured in the short film Every Girl Wants a Skirt like Frida, which will air March 28th, in addition to the documentary Ciclo, based on the bicycle journey that Martinez’s father and uncle took from Mexico to Canada 53 years ago.
2010 has already proven an exciting year for Martinez, with a performance alongside Jesse Cook at a sold out Massey Hall and a successful national festival tour this summer. With more performances and showcases around Ontario, Canada’s East coast and Miami this fall, audiences will feel Amor and continue to be amazed night after night by her energetic, soothing and playful performances. Martinez’ music transcends the barriers of language, a romantic journey that sweeps audiences off their feet.
