Pedro José Pastrana Quartet — Lo Que Nos Llevamos: Puerto Rican Cuatro & Latin Jazz

About

Puerto Rican cuatro player and composer Pedro José Pastrana brings the distinctive sound of Puerto Rico’s national instrument into a contemporary Latin jazz setting with music from his latest album, Lo Que Nos Llevamos (What We Bring With Us). Born and raised in Puerto Rico and immersed in the island’s jíbaro musical tradition, Pastrana has developed a musical language that moves fluidly between folklore and improvisation. At the center is the Puerto Rican cuatro, whose bright, resonant sound carries traditional melodic language into jazz harmony, Caribbean rhythms, and groove-driven ensemble playing. His debut solo album was selected among PRPop’s Top 20 recordings of 2022, and his work has included collaborations with leading figures in Latin music including John Santos, Orestes Vilató, Jerry Medina, Gary Nuñez, and Andy Montañez. With Lo Que Nos Llevamos, Pastrana turns toward his present-day relationship with Puerto Rico from afar. Through original compositions, the project explores distance, memory, migration, and the traditions we carry with us when we leave home, bringing Puerto Rican musical roots into conversation with contemporary jazz. For this performance, Pastrana is joined by bassist Ayla Dávila and GRAMMY-nominated drummer Colin Douglas, with Miguel Martínez on flute and percussion. Together, the quartet brings a strong sense of interaction and spontaneity to the stage, moving between intricate melodies, deep Caribbean grooves, folkloric influences, and open-ended improvisation. Expect an evening of Puerto Rican cuatro, rhythmic intensity, expressive ensemble interplay, and adventurous Latin jazz—music deeply rooted in tradition while continually pushing forward. Lineup Pedro José Pastrana — Puerto Rican Cuatro Ayla Dávila — Bass Colin Douglas — Drums Miguel Martínez — Flute & Percussion