Luis Martinez is a versatile guitarist and dynamic performer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in Mexico City, Luis blends a deep-rooted musical foundation with genre-crossing fluency from jazz and R&B to funk, soul, latin, pop, and hip-hop. He performs regularly with acclaimed Valley groups such as LuMar, The Stakes, 8-Bit Mammoth, Extreme Decibel Big Band, and Giovanni Kiyingi & Friends, an international ensemble led by Ugandan multi-instrumentalist Giovanni Kiyingi. With The Stakes, Luis has had the opportunity to collaborate with the legendary Tower of Power horn section. As a sideman, Luis has backed national artists including Dominique Hammons, Tony Exum Jr., Chris Mitchell, Dee Lucas, Marquel Jordan, and Monique Hasbun. He has also shared the bill with legends like Warren G, Too Short, Biz Markie, Waka Flocka Flame, and The Internet, and is a trusted member of some of Phoenix’s top party bands and live ensembles. “He has the ability to play ferocious, growling licks while keeping dynamics air-tight, adding those buttery touches just where you want to hear them. Luis is the real deal musician.” -Phoenix New Times