Grit Machine DNA

Welcome to Grit Machine DNA.Through this series we interview everyday Americans who lead remarkable lives and serve as powerful examples of faith, family and grit. The goal of Grit Machine DNA is twofold…first to inspire all Americans to dream big, do more, become more and understand that great things happen when we assume personal responsibility. The second goal of the series is to introduce people to silent heroes everywhere -our neighbors, our teachers, first responders, coaches, fathers, mothers- who are doing powerful things without fanfare and whose lives offer us lessons and values we can all learn from. Join me in this wonderful journey as we discuss what it means to build Grit Machine DNA by hearing from people who do it every day. To learn more, please visit my website: davidamorales.com The song at the end of the video is played by Grupo Mapeyé, La Orquesta Criolla Nacional de Puerto Rico.

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Grit Machine DNA

Grit Machine DNA: Migue Martinez

February 13, 2023 • David Morales • Season 2 • Episode 2

Miguel Martinez is one of the most sought-after percussionists in the region. He has been playing Latin percussion since the age of 12 and has mastered many styles including, Jazz, World Music, R&B, Salsa, Merengue, among others. But his real passion is playing the guiro, a native instrument from Puerto Rico and a key instrument in traditional music from Puerto Rico, known as música típica.

At the age of 4, Miguel began to extremely impress his family with musical actions towards his first instrument the “Puerto Rican guiro”. Miguel taught himself to play the guiro, congas and other percussion instruments around him.

Now as a consummate music professional, he has shared the stage with legendary performers such as: Jerry Rivera, Andy Montañez, Ismael Miranda, Tony Vega, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Grupo Mapeyé: Orquesta Criolla Nacional de Puerto Rico, Ecos de Borinquen, Omar Santiago, among many others.

Miguel is an extraordinary example of how faith, family and grit will take you to places you never imagined possible.