Ray Martinez is an acclaimed bassist, composer, arranger, and producer with a career spanning over four decades at the forefront of Latin music.

From his nine years as bassist and arranger for Latin jazz legend Mongo Santamaría and two world tours with David Byrne, to performing and recording alongside icons like Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Ismael Rivera, Johnny Pacheco, Dave Valentin, Mario Rivera, Néstor Sánchez, Adalberto Santiago, and the Buddha Latin Jazz All Stars, Ray’s signature sound defines modern Latin jazz and salsa rhythm sections.

As the founder and bandleader of Ray Martinez's Legacy—his premier Latin jazz ensemble—and the salsa group Sabor Criollo, Ray continues to elevate Afro-Cuban music through masterful bassmanship, original compositions, and world-class arrangements under Tropical Note Productions, LLC.