"Martin Verdonk is not your average percussionist. As a matter of fact, there is no doubt that Martin is among the finest contemporary musicians not only in Europe, but in the world!"

John Santos-San Fransisco



Martin was born in Curacao. He moved to the Netherlands with his parents in 1971.

Studied latin percussion at the Rotterdam conservatory from 1982-1984.

Also studied at the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba in '86 '87 and '88

Martin's main influences and/or teachers are: Giovanni Hidalgo,Lenny Castro,Luis Conte,Richie Flores,Mario Jaurequi,Roberto Viscaino,Paulinho da Costa and Ralph McDonald.



As an allround percussionist Martin worked with many of the leading bands and artists in the Netherlands such as:

Ilse DeLange, Doe Maar,Rob de Nijs,Paul de Leeuw,Ruth Jacott,Laura Fygi,Lois Lane,Karin Bloemen,Harry Sacksioni,Lee Towers,Denise Jannah,Nueva Manteca,Cor Bakker,Margriet Eshuys,Intwine,Golden Earring,Daniel Sahuleka,Jan Vayne,Izaline Calister,Do,Ali B,Randal Corsen,Nynke Laverman,Camiel,Lenette van Dongen...



Martin also played, recorded or performed as guest with the following international artists:

Steve Winwood,Incognito,Stephen Simmonds,Lionel Richie,Chaka Khan,George Benson,George Duke,Donna Summer,En Vogue,Santana,James Taylor,Toots Thielemans,Lalo Schifrin,David Sanchez,Prince,Shaggy,Abdullah Ibrahim,dr.Lonnie Smith,NDR big band,BBC big band...



Martin recorded 2 solo cd's

Tribal Fusion featuring Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez and Danny Gottlieb.

Old school new sound featuring Orestes Vilato and Walfredo Reyes jr.



Martin Verdonk teaches at the World Music Department of the Rotterdam Conservatory. In 1995 he received the award for 'outstanding service to Jazz education' in Los Angeles. The readers of the Dutch drum magazine 'Slagwerkkrant' choose Martin several times as best percussionist.

He is also a well known clinician and a very popular "team builder" and "percussion motivator".