Episode 4-Marta Sanchez: Spanish American Gem

Strictly Jazz Sounds

Marta Sanchez combines the technical of classical with the soul of jazz, presenting innovative and emotive compositions that stir the mind and fill the spirit. This Madrid, Spain native now resides in Brooklyn, NY, performing in New York clubs with the best New York has to offer. Marta is now among the elite performers in the jazz capital of the world.

Marta discovers a different music scene in New York City than Madrid, Spain. Armed with a strong and dynamic classical background, Marta combines these two genres to create a powerful sound. Her Influences include Ravel, Schaumburg, and Debussy among other classical composers. Marta’s chief contemporary influence is Guillermo Klein. In the jazz universe, Marta gains inspiration from jazz composers that include Wayne Shorter, her close friend Ambrose Akinmusire, and Andrew Hill.

Marta, though, finds herself in a world vastly different from her native Madrid. The music from her latest release, SPAAM-Spanish American Art Museum, reveals the struggles and tensions apparent in her life as well as the observations of vastly troubling systemic violence that affect people of color and immigrants. Marta is sensitive to the shootings-from law enforcement to mass shootings- that are plaguing our country today.

She struggles with the dystopian culture in which she now finds herself, attempting to make sense of the deep divisions that exist in the US. The brutality of this society and the political strife that invades every fabric of this nation’s politic finds their way into Marta Sanchez’s compositions. The fateful beating of Tyre Nichols in Memphis, Tennessee stirred up anguish in her. Marta senses the challenges of leaving her Spanish culture, being an immigrant creates uncertainty about the culture in which she now resides. “How can this Happen in America?” Marta asks.

The most touching composition in the album, “Marivi”, casts a spotlight on a mother/daughter relationship that could only be imagined. The spellbinding vocals by Camilla Meza (who also doubles on guitar) and the trumpet work by Grammy nominee Ambrose Akinmusire tells a story of wistfulness by a daughter who could speak of her wishes only after her mother dies in Spain while in the early vestiges of Covid, with Marta trapped in New York by travel restrictions.

Marta was an in-demand artist at international jazz festivals throughout the world prior to the pandemic, performing her innovative and original music. Now that Covid restrictions have been relaxed, she is once again embarking on international travel to share her music to global audiences.

Marta’s discography with her quintet includes four albums, all have been received to critical acclaim from American press: “Partenika” (2015), “Danza Imposible” (2017), and “El Rayo de Luz” (2019) with the Spanish label Fresh Sound and SAAM (Spanish American Art Museum) with Whirlwind Recordings.