The Big Band Theory
Since its release in 2016 The Big Band Theory has earned raving reviews in a variety of specialized publications, both online and on paper. The project received a rare 4.5/5 in Downbeat’s September issue, additionally listing it among 2016’s BEST ALBUMS .
Reviews:
Second Chance
Second Chance (Soho Music) in this 2010 Grammy nominated CD, the group explores a collection of new Martignon compositions that allow him to reflect on second chances in his life. A funky swagger leads the group into a catchy melody with a bluesy edge from Perez and Collins on “Second Chance,” while the rhythm section quiets. Perez attacks the mellow funk of the rhythm section with a slew of jazz melodies, connecting each one together with a logical progression.
Refugee
Nominated for the 2008 Grammy AWARD for best Latin Jazz AlbumHector’s latest release (ZOHO RECORDS) featuring four of the best bassists of the world (Eddie Gomez, Richard Bona, John Benitez and Matthew Garrison) plus four of the best drummers (Jeff “Tain” Watts, Willard Dyson, Horacio “Negro” Hernandez and Dafnis Prieto) along with great invited guests (Kenny Barron, Mark Whitfield, Sammy Figueroa, Edgardo Miranda, Roberto Quintero, Samuel Torres)
Foreign Affair
Foreign Affair by Hector Martignon with Satoshi Takeishi (drums) and Jairo Moreno (bass) on the Candid label, features guest stars Ruben Blades, Randy Brecker, Don Byron, Luis Bonilla and Donny McCaslin. It features mostly original tunes but also some awsome arrangements of standards like My One And Only Love and brazilian pop classic La Propuesta masterfully sung by Ruben Blades. Most striking is the treatment given to prelude #8 in E flat minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. This CD was chosen in JAZZIZ magazine one of 10 best of the year by critic Mark Holston.
Portrait in White
Hector’s first solo CD, Portrait in White and Black (CCD-79727) Hector Martignon’Portrait in White and Black’ was repeatedly praised as “…the year’s best …”,(Jazztimes) “…among the best…” and so on. Along with Hector’s trio, with Satoshi Takeishi (drums) and Jairo Moreno (bass) the album features the great Ray Barretto on congas, vocalist Gabriela Anders, Manolo Badrena on percussion, Donny McCaslin on sax, Luis Bonilla on trombone and Cidinho Texeira on accordion.
Notable Appearances, Composition, Arrangement, & Production:
Chicago ¡Exitos!
New York Latin All Stars (2011)
Chicago’s all-time hits arranged with Latin rhythms with some of New York’s best Latin musicians. Hector plays piano and accordion in 4 of the tracks.
Sounds from the Capeman
Paul Simon 1997
Hector plays piano on some of the tunes from Paul Simon’s 1997 album.
Normas
Juan Garcia Herreros (2013)
Austria-based virtuoso Juan Garcia Herreros’s project, Snow Owl‘s second CD, Normas features Hector on piano.
Fiasta al Jazz
Roberto Santamaria (2013)
Roberto Santamaria’s first solo album, featuring an all-star band including Joe Gallardo. In which Hector plays piano, rhodes and wrote one of the tracks.
Eleven
Tommy Igoe’s (2011)
Invited as a featured guest pianist with Tommy Igoe’s Birdland Big Band, “Eleven”, performing on Michel Camilo’s explosive and aptly titled On Fire.
Heritage
Silvestre Martínez (2010)
Martinez’s debut album, Heritage, released in 2010. Hector played piano in most of the tunes and arranged the famous folklore song, El Feo.
Camino Al Barrio
Nelson Riveros (2010)
Hector performed the piano and produced Colombian guitarist Nelson Riveros’ critically acclaimed first solo album.
Mozart’s Blue Fantasies
Burgstaller – Martignon (2009)
Besides being the pianist and co-leader, Hector arranged most of the music for this spectacular crossover CD that immediately hit the JAZZ-CHARTS.
El De La Rumba Soy Yo
Johnny Ray (2009)
Hector plays accordion on “La Maquina” which became an instant hit.
Salongo
Eddie Alen (2008)
Hector was an invited guest on four of the tracks of Eddie Alen’s, Salongo which has won national and international praise
Bossa Beleza
Gabriela Anders Bossa Beleza (2008)
Hector contributed to this release from Argentinian vocalist, Gabriela Anders and its Brazilian Standards and Gabriela’s compositions.
Skin Tones
Samuel Torres (2006)
Hector performs the piano in this amazing first solo release by Samuel Torres. He also wrote the cut Observatorio.
Fantasia
Gabriela Anders (1998)
Produced by Hector Martignon, All tunes were arranged by Hector except ‘Fantasia’, arranged by Marteen.
Eat Drink, Man, Woman (1994)
An Oscar-nominated film in which Hector was in charge of arranging and producing the Cuban parts of the score.
Escucha
Luis Bonilla (2000)
Besides playing the piano on most of the tracks, Hector wrote two of the tunes.
My Summertime
Ray Barretto (1995)
Hector played piano and arranged the tunes ‘No Hay Problema’ and his own composition, ‘Fait Accompli’ on this Grammy Nominated CD.
Taboo
Ray Barretto & New World Spirit (1994)
Hector played for eight straight years in all the different bands of the great Ray Barretto, recording six of his albums. Composing two tracks on this one and arranging three more.
Angelo
Extasis y Dolor (1993)
Produced by Hector Martignon this project brings together some of NYC‘s best salsa musicians.
Un Poco Loco
Conexión Latina (1987)
Hector was asked to play in one of Europe’s best salsa bands, Conexión Latina. Hector’s participation in this band involved not only playing piano but arranging and singing back-up.
Malata Suite
Sunrise Orchesta
Canto General Recorded when Hector was just 18 years old this was his first recording experience
hectormartignon.com 
