About Me
"Martin Verdonk is not your average percussionist. As a matter of fact, there is no doubt that Martin is among the finest contemporary musicians not only in Europe, but in the world! "
John Santos-San Fransisco
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--------------------------Martin was born in Curacao. He moved to the Netherlands with his parents in 1971.
Studied latin percussion at the Rotterdam conservatory from 1982-1984.
Also studied at the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba in '86 '87 and '88
Martin's main influences and/or teachers are: Giovanni Hidalgo,Lenny Castro,Luis Conte,Richie Flores,Mario Jaurequi,Roberto Viscaino,Paulinho da Costa and Ralph McDonald.
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--------------------------As an allround percussionist Martin worked with many of the leading bands and artists in the Netherlands such as:
Ilse DeLange ,
Doe Maar ,
Rob de Nijs ,
Paul de Leeuw,
Ruth Jacott ,
Laura Fygi ,
Lois Lane ,
Karin Bloemen ,
Harry Sacksioni ,
Denise Jannah ,
Fay Claasen,
Lee Towers ,
djRose,
Nueva Manteca,
Cor Bakker,
Margriet Eshuys ,
Intwine ,
Golden Earring,
Daniel Sahuleka,
Jan Vayne ,
Izaline Calister,
Lilian Vieira ,
Do ,
Ali B,
Randal Corsen,
Nynke Laverman,
Camiel ,
Lenette van Dongen,
Mir ,
Wolter Kroes,
Gipsy Boys ,
Dancing with the Stars,
X-Factor ,
Art Attack,
Julian Sas ,
Jovink ,
Elles Springs,
Rosemary's Sons,
Toon Roos group ,
Ruud Hermans ,
Mo'Jones ,
Tamara Maria-------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------Martin also played, recorded or performed as guest with the following international artists:
Richard Bona ,
Steve Winwood,
Incognito ,
Lila Downs,
Stephen Simmonds,
Lionel Richie ,
Chaka Khan ,
George Benson,
George Duke ,
Donna Summer,
En Vogue ,
Santana ,
Leonardo Amuedo,
James Taylor ,
Toots Thielemans,
Lalo Schifrin ,
David Sanchez,
Prince ,
Chip Taylor,
Shaggy ,
Elvis Crespo,
Abdullah Ibrahim,
dr.Lonnie Smith ,
Ray Obiedo ,
NDR big band,
BBC big band ,
WDR big band,
Paquito D'Rivera,
Tony Carey ,
Horacio"El Negro"Hernandez & Italuba,
Rich Wyman ,
Demis Roussos,
James Moody,
Jon Faddis------------------------------------------------------
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Martin recorded 2 solo cd's
Tribal Fusion featuring Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez and Danny Gottlieb.
Old school new sound featuring Orestes Vilato and Walfredo Reyes jr.
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The press about Tribal Fusion:A must for the modern percussionist and all percussion lovers.
Stage Magazine
Belgium
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Martin Verdonk proofs to be one of the leading multi-percussionists of today.
Drums & Percussion
Germany
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Tribal Fusion will take the listener to amazing places.
Slagwerkkrant
The Netherlands
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-----------------------------Absolutely one of a kind..
Sticks Magazine
Germany
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The press about Old School New Sound:...and again master percussionist Martin Verdonk releases a finger licking good album.
Jazz Nu
The Netherlands
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Old School New Sound is an album to be proud of...
De Telegraaf
The Netherlands
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a masterpiece....
Slagwerkkrant
The Netherlands
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Martin Verdonk is a super talented, fusion jazz artist...
Old school new sound is definitely a "must have" for your music collection.
smoothjazz.com
U.S.A.
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Irrisistable grooves...
Bassmagazine
The Netherlands
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highest level of musicality
drummerszone.com
The Netherlands
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Martin Verdonk put together an unbelievable tight band for this project.
Old School New Sound is a great album ...
Drums & Percussion
Germany
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Fantastic!
Noord Hollands Dagblad
The Netherlands
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Good,tasteful and timeless...
Planet Internet
The Netherlands
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An album full of passion...
Sticks magazine
Germany-----------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------Martin Verdonk teaches at the World Music Department of the Rotterdam Conservatory. In 1995 he received the award for 'outstanding service to Jazz education' in Los Angeles. The readers of the Dutch drum magazine 'Slagwerkkrant' choose Martin several times as best percussionist.
He is also a well known clinician and a very popular "team builder" and "percussion motivator". --------------------------------------------------------
