Today we’d like to introduce you to Tino Martinez.
Hi Tino, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
“It really goes back to that age-old public school crossroads — band or choir? I’d grown up playing piano, so music was already woven into who I was. But the moment I picked up the saxophone, something shifted. Something clicked. I fell in love with it instantly, and from there, everything just snowballed. Through high school, I threw myself in completely — marching band, concert ensembles, jazz, all of it. That dedication eventually led me to the world-famous Southern University Human Jukebox under the legendary Dr. Isaac Greggs. That chapter was formative in ways I still carry with me today.
After university, I stepped away for about five years. Then, almost by chance, a Craigslist ad looking for a sax player in a ska band pulled me back in. I knew what Jamaican ska was, but nothing could have prepared me for that first rehearsal. (laughs) That one ad completely changed the trajectory of my life — and I haven’t looked back since.
That rekindled passion pushed me to keep growing. I went back to school and earned a professional certificate in Music Studies with a concentration in Jazz from Berklee, because for me, the learning never stops.
What makes that journey even more remarkable is that through all of it, I’ve spent over a decade as a Clinical Lab Scientist in the healthcare profession. Balancing a full-time career in science while simultaneously building a life in music isn’t the path most people expect — but it’s mine, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Houston has this incredible, sprawling music scene, and I’ve been fortunate enough to move through so much of it — R&B, Neo-Soul, Jazz, Reggae, punk ska, you name it. That journey has taken me to international stages, iconic festivals, and just about every Houston venue imaginable, from the smallest dive bars to the main stage at the House of Blues.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
“The road hasn’t always been easy. There were long nights, grueling schedules, and gigs that barely covered the drive home. But through every setback and sacrifice, my love for this music never wavered — not once. That passion was the constant. The anchor. Because at the end of the day, this was never really about the money. It’s about showing up, giving everything, and sharing this gift with the world. And that — that has always been enough.”
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
“Leading the Tino Martinez Quartet has given me some of the most defining moments of my musical life — moments that bring me back to why I fell in love with this music in the first place. Being recognized with the Best of Bermuda award for Best Musician in 2022 was an incredible honor. But returning in 2024 to receive Best Musical Group made it even more meaningful — a reminder that the work is resonating beyond the bandstand. That same year delivered some unforgettable milestones on the performance side as well. The Quartet took the stage at SXSW, headlined the Made in Bermuda Music Festival, and in 2025, we brought our sound to the Music Is Art Festival in Buffalo. Each of those experiences challenged and expanded us in ways I’ll carry forward.
I’ve also had the privilege of sharing the stage with Grammy Award-winner Avery Sunshine — the kind of moment that stays with you long after the last note fades.
And then there’s my connection with Houston’s own Jazzgroupiez. That relationship has been one of the true highlights of this journey. Recording singles together and earning a feature on his album Purple Sax II — that’s the kind of full-circle Houston jazz moment that reminds you exactly why you do this. He is a genuine gem in this city’s musical culture, and if you haven’t explored his discography yet, do yourself a favor and dive in.”
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
“What’s happening in Houston’s jazz scene right now is nothing short of extraordinary. With the arrival of new venues and the much-celebrated return of the Red Cat Jazz Café, the city is absolutely alive with energy. The level of musicianship here is world-class, and there’s a collective spirit that feels like a full-blown cultural renaissance. Houston has always had a deep, storied relationship with live music — anchored by jazz legends like Kyle Turner, Dean James, Joe Carmouche, Stephen Richard, and so many others who have faithfully carried the torch. But what we’re experiencing right now feels different. Bigger. More electric. Jazz isn’t just being preserved here — it’s being reimagined.
For someone who lives and breathes this music, being part of that movement is everything.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tinomartinezsax.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmq.bda/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinoMartinezQuartet
- soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/tino-martinez-544251966
Image Credits
Eugene Ball of Dlamina Photography
