HCC Central Music presents percussionist Billy Martin (of Medeski, Martin, and Wood fame) in a solo concert tonight (Wednesday, 3.26.08) at 7:30pm in Central’s Heinen Theatre (3517 Austin @ Holman, in Midtown). This performance is the second in Central’s New Music Series, whose goal is to bring innovative artists to the college for concerts and master classes.

Billy Martin, aka Illy B, drummer for avant-garde jazz-funk trio Medeski, Martin, and Wood, has blended world-music cultures into his own style, one that digs deep into the African-fed cultures of Brazil and the Caribbean and serves them up with New York culture and attitude. Influenced by musicians who move people, Martin’s playing does just that. Fueled by these traditions he plays on these rhythms with the heart of an improviser with influences ranging from avant-garde to hip-hop. The workshops at Central will focus on focus on the beats covered in Martin’s new book, Riddim: Claves of African Origin.

Martin says: “I will perform some music from my Black Elk Speaks solo record (Amulet) which consists of concert bass drums, timpani, drum set, gongs, African and Brazilian percussion. I will also improvise various compositions for drum set, African mbiras, balaphones and other ‘found’ instruments of metal and wood…”

Tickets to the performance are $8 and may be purchased by calling 713-718-6570 for reservations.

You can view a video of Martin playing live on YouTube.