Amanda Martinez

Described by World Music Central as "one of the great new voices in Spanish language Latin music, " Amanda Martinez has been embraced by audiences all over the world with four highly acclaimed albums to her credit: Sola, Amor, Mañana and Libre

Her highly anticipated new album, Recuerdo, launched worldwide July 5 2024. Produced by her longtime guitarist and co-writer Kevin Laliberté and co-produced by her husband, bassist Drew Birston, it is a daring adventure that incorporates elements of world fusion, Cuban rhythms and an injection of pop that is her most personal to date. It is dedicated to the memory of her father Gustavo who bicycled to Toronto from Mexico in 1956 and from whom she says “I got my love of music”.

“He always spoke about how much there was that he still wanted to do," Amanda remembers. "He said ‘life was about simple things, there is always more music to enjoy, good wine to taste and love to savour.’ ” One of the songs ,“Todavía”, on the upcoming album is penned with her father’s words in mind while others are reflections of her past and future.

Accompanied by her band of 20 years – Laliberté on guitar, Birston on bass; Rosendo “Chendy” Leon on percussion; Alexander Brown on trumpet and violinist Osvaldo Rodriguez - Amanda Martinez has sold out Ottawa's National Arts Centre and Toronto's Koerner Hall and Winter Garden Theatres. She has performed internationally including the Dubai International Jazz Festival (with Jesse Cook), at 2010's FIFA World Cup Festivities in South Africa and the Pan-American Games in Guadalajara and at New York City's highly esteemed Blue Note Jazz Club.

A favourite of the world music Putamayo label – Martinez has appeared on five collections including Bossanova Around The World, Latin Dreamland, Café Latino , Mexico, and Bossa Nova.

Named The Toronto Independent Music Awards' Best World Music Artist and Latin Awards Canada's Composer of the Year - as well as multiple nominations at the National Jazz Awards and Canadian Folk Music Awards - Martinez has also written songs for the 2023 PBS animated pre-school children's comedy Rosie's Rules while simultaneously providing the voice of the Rosie’s Abuela.

Amanda’s undeniable charisma and stage presence make her concerts must-see experiences.