Marta Gomez

Marta Gomez performs a fascinating variety of rhythms from all over Latin America including Cuba, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru and Argentina. Only a month after releasing her self-produced album Solo Es Vivir, singer/songwriter Marta Gomez, 24, found herself opening for blues legend Bonnie Raitt in Boston. An Internet search and a few phone calls led Raitt, who wanted someone local for her opening, to Gomez. "Those were my 20 minutes of glory," said Gomez.

Originally from Colombia, the singer started to compose songs exploring her roots. But when she met Argentinean guitarist and composer Julio Santillan and percussionist Franco Pinna; they decided to share their musical backgrounds to create and perform a distinctive blend of music that reflects the sound and culture of South America.

Marta's quintet offers a smooth combination of Latin American folklore incorporating jazz elements, which produces a rich and unique sound that makes it impossible to classify as a certain style of music.

The style of the group is deep, passionate, thought-provoking, rhythmic, intimate and incredibly influential in the evolving body of world beat and its deliverance to contemporary music culture.

— Courtesy Calabash Music