Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Pedro José Pastrana grew up immersed in the jíbaro music tradition. In high school he discovered jazz, sparking a lasting fascination with improvisation as a creative force.

His work has been reviewed and featured by LatinJazzNet, KCSM Jazz, Puerto Rico Jazz, PRPop, and the San Francisco Chronicle, including collaborations with John Santos and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra. A music creator rethinking Puerto Rican music, Pedro blends the earthy roots of folk traditions with forward-looking compositions and performances that reflect his layered heritage. As a sideman, he has expanded the role of the Puerto Rican cuatro in Latin jazz, performing and recording with John Santos, Jerry Medina, Juango Gutierrez, Orestes Vilató, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra.