Unlikely tandem brings power-packed Cuban sound to Bay Area

On paper, percussionist Pedrito Martinez and pianist Alfredo Rodríguez are something of a Cuban odd couple.

Uniting virtuosos from the opposite sides of the tracks, their spectacular Duologue Project plays Kuumbwa Jazz Center Feb. 9 and Yoshi’s Feb. 10-11.

However divergent their upbringings, “what’s more important is how you approach your art,” said Martinez on a recent joint video call with Rodríguez.

“It’s not the virtuosity,” the pianist added. “There are many moments we can show technique...