// Percussion Artist
Drummer Martin (pronounced mar-TEEN) Urbach juxtaposes his Bolivian and Jewish roots with his experience as an immigrant in the United States to add color to his sophisticated drum grooves.
Born on August 4th, 1982 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Martin discovered the drums at age 12. Shortly after, he began performing in the country’s top music venues and festivals. Upon finishing high school, Martin moved to New Orleans, LA to attend the music program at The University of New Orleans.
As a sideman, Martin has performed alongside Ellis Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis, Larry Coryell , Sonny Fortune, Maurice Brown, Skerik, Lee Konitz, Billy Drewes, Harold Battiste, Ed Petersen, Dave Easley, Steve Masakowsky and James Singleton.
As a leader, Martin has brought his music to music clubs, bars, performing arts centers and music festivals across the USA, Bolivia, Ecuador and more. Recently Martin began producing solo percussion suites of music composed, performed and filmed in peculiar places such as dilapidated hotels and the waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
// Education
MM in Jazz Studies, 2008
Manhattan School of Music. New York, NY
Main Teachers: Dave Liebman, John Riley, Jason Moran, Garry Dial, Phil Markowitz
BA in Jazz Studies, 2005
University of New Orleans. New Orleans, LA
Main Teachers: Edward Petersen, John Vidacovich, Ricky Sebastian, Troy Davis and Terence Blanchard
// Awards
Manhattan School of Music
- 2008 Arts-in-education Humanitarian / Leadership Outreach Award
- Full Scholarship
U.S. Embassy, Bolivia
- Cultural Ambassador
University of New Orleans
- The Presidential Award
- Full Scholarship
Residencies, Fellowships and Master Classes
U.S. Embassy in Bolivia Tour: ‘New Orleans Music Ambassadors’
The group played 15 sold-out concerts in 10 days and conducted master classes in inner city music and arts schools.
Betty Carter Jazz Ahead – The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
Martin was selected among musicians from all over the world to participate in a 2 week long intensive composition workshop, present master classes and perfor at the Millenium Stage for a live internet stream worlwide.
Jazz Foundation of America
Martin has led master classes and performances in various schools, hospitals and community centers as part of the JFA’s fine outreach programs.
University of New Orleans
Martin presented a 3 movement suite entitled ”Ambus K” which was inspired by his experience with Hurricane Katrina.
Betty Carter Reunion Band
Martin was commissioned by the Kennedy Center to lead an ensemble made up of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead alumni.