Amanda Martinez is a Canadian singer-songwriter whose music is an original blend of influences from her Mexican and South African roots.

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

Produced by her long-time guitarist Kevin Laliberté and co-produced by her husband, bassist Drew Birston, Recuerdo is an interesting departure that incorporates elements of world fusion, Cuban rhythms, and an injection of English pop that is her most adventurous album to date. It is dedicated to the memory of her late father Gustavo, who bicycled to Toronto from Mexico in 1956 and from whom she says, “I got my love of music.”

I had the pleasure of speaking with Martinez a couple of days ago. We spoke about growing up in a family filled with music and arts. She also shared some lovely memories about her father, and his influence on her musical career.

The album’s launch concert takes place on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. It features an extraordinary lineup of guests, led by Rebecca Hennessy on trumpet and flugelhorn, Aviva Chernick on vocals, Donna Roberts on vocals and guitar, and Pablosky Rosales on vocals and tres, who also co-wrote some of the lyrics for Recuerdo.

The show will also include Jorge Lopez, award-winning Mexican guitarist who was a friend of Amanda’s father and recently survived after being in a coma; Martha Batiz, who will be reading from her award-winning book No stars in the Sky that the song Recuerdo was inspired by; as well as Sofi Gudiño, award-winning Flamenco dancer and choreographer, and Carlos Rivas, Peruvian fusion dancer and choreographer, given Amanda’s close connection to dance from a young age.

World-renowned choreographer Debra Brown is the advisor in charge of giving the “outside artistic eye” of the show. Brown is an Emmy award-winning choreographer for Cirque du Soleil, who is also a York University graduate like Amanda and worked with her on her last music video Estaba Cayendo with Ballet Jorgen (2020).

For more details about this very special concert and to purchase tickets, please visit rcmusic.com.