Portugal-born Carlos Martins is an accomplished saxophonist. He works with Orquestra Sons da Lusofonia and his own quintet, performing at festivals, concerts, and clubs. He is also a respected professor at Escola de Jazz do Hot Club de Portugal. Martins began his musical career with the clarinet, performing with the Banda Filarmónica de Grândola. He studied music at the National Conservatory in Lisbon. Along the way he has worked with Bill Goodwin, Ralph Peterson Jr., and John Stubblefield. Martins was also one of the original members of both the Sexteto de Jazz of Lisboa and the Maria João's Quintet. In 1995, Martins recorded his debut album, Passagem, on the ENJA Records label. Female drummer Cindy Blackman appears on the album with him, along with bassist Carlos Barretto and pianist Bernardo Sassetti. The quintet pleased jazz fans with tracks like Round Trip and Sophisticated Lady. Martins switched to the NaDa label for his 1997 duo release, Other India, with Vasco Martins. Martins' next album, Always, featured his quintet. ~ Charlotte Dillon, Rovi