This heartwarming comedy-drama from Mexico stars Memo Villegas, Yalitza Aparicio, and an ensemble cast that brings charm and humor to the screen. Martin’s vibrant score adds depth to the film’s storytelling, reminiscent of Hollywood composers such as Lalo Schifrin, Henry Mancini, and Esquivel! His signature blend of rhythm, melody, and cinematic flair perfectly complements the film’s tone, making for an unforgettable auditory experience. La Gran Seducción is now streaming on Netflix.

Backstory
When producer Jim Stark (Down by Law, Mystery Train) urgently needed a composer for La Gran Seducción, Martin stepped in with just 2.5 months to deliver a full score. Working with Pimienta Films and Roma producer Nicolás Celis, he crafted an eclectic soundtrack blending orchestral textures, jazz-infused ensembles, and his signature percussion. 

“It was my first comedy score,” Martin says. “Balancing humor and heart on a tight deadline pushed me to the edge—but I’m proud of the result.” 

The album, La Gran Seducción, features a rich mix of orchestral, woodwinds, percussion-driven compositions, and intimate jazz-exotica inflected arrangements—some performed entirely by Martin, others featuring various ensembles from small combos to big bands orchestrated by Simon Hanes.

Track list and Featured Musicians
01. German Picks up Checks – 1:53
02. Welcome to Santa Maria – 2:27
03. Mateo Explores House – 2:28
04. Football Waltz – 2:02
05. Town Transformation – 2:16
06. Letters – 1:15
07. Football Practice – 0:45
08. Mateo Misses Her – 1:43
09. Dead Brothers Talk – 1:57
10. Maria is Leaving – 1:19
11. German at Bank – 1:11
12. Chicken Tikka Masala – 0:33
13. Gone Fishing – 1:27
14. Mosquitos – 0:52
15. Benjamin Tries to Get Loan – 1:05
16. Doctor with Patients – 1:35
17. Benjamin Gives Loan – 0:51
18. Football Tango – 0:55
19. German Watches Maria – 0:43
20. German in Bed – 2:12
21. Phone Love – 0:51
22. ¡Lotería! – 1:05
23. Dinner with Ana (Bonus Track) – 1:49

Musician Credits
La Gran Seducción
Composer: Billy Martin aka Illy B

Whistling
Billy Martin

Bass
Jesse Heasly
Billy Martin

Keyboards / Piano
Henry Plotnick
John Medeski
Billy Martin
Borey Shin
Simon Hanes

Acoustic Guitar
Manuel Garcia

Electric Guitar
Simon Hanes
Ava Mendoza
Nick Kinsey

Drums
Kenny Wollesen
Billy Martin
Richard Baratta

Percussion
Billy Martin

Glockenspiel
Pauline Roberts

Marimba
Kenny Wollesen
Billy Martin

Flute
Marty Ehrlich
Bill Horberg
Doug Wieselman

Clarinet
Doug Wieselman
Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee
 
Saxophone
Marty Ehrlich
Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee
Mark Ferguson

Trumpet
Frank London

Trombone
Brian Drye

Violin / Vocals
Fung Chern-Hwei
Kate Goddard
Dana Lyn
Abby Swidler

Viola / Vocals
Joanna Mattrey

Cello / Vocals
Ansel Cohen

Orchestrator
Simon Hanes

Musical Director / EastSide Sound Sessions
Jesse Heasly