If you have not heard about jazz harpist Edmar Castaneda - it is time you do. Castaneda is one of the most electrifying and innovative artists to come along in some time. Jazz harp? - Yes that is right –jazz harp. Castenada takes a whole new two-handed approach to the instrument and the genre itself. One listen to this release and you will see why he is becoming one of the most celebrated artists in jazz. The new CD titled Entre Cuerdas (translation: Between the Strings) is sure to be labeled as one of the most exciting new recordings of 2009. Castenada is joined here by his trio, made up of Marshall Gilkes on trombone and Dave Silliman on drums. To add to the musical adventure, the ensemble is joined on several tracks by guest artists including John Scofield on guitar, Andrea Tierra on vocals, Joe Locke on vibes and Samuel Torres on percussion. Yes - Jazz Harp!
“A jazz harpist of imposing talent." -THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Edmar is an enormous talent, he has the versatility and the enchanting charisma of a musician who has taken his harp out of the shadow to become one of the most original musicians from the Big Apple." - PAQUITO D'RIVERA
“The phenomenal Columbian harpist Edmar Castaneda, whose technically astounding approach to the instrument normally associated with classical music has been registering with scenesters over the past year. Covering independent, heavily grooving bass lines with his left hand while chording and also running counterpoint melodies and dazzling triplet figures with his right hand (a kind of Charlie Hunter or Joe Passian approach to the harp),... - BILL MILKOWSKI - JAZZ TIMES
About Edmar Castaneda:
Colombian harpist, bandleader and composer Edmar Castaneda was born in Bogota, Colombia where he started playing the Colombian harp at the early age of thirteen. He has a unique style of playing harp Combining Latin jazz with traditional Colombian music; Edmar has carved a firm place in the international jazz scene. A jazz harpist of imposing talent, he transforms the harp into a lead instrument to phenomenal effect. Producing cross-rhythms like a drummer, smashing chordal flourishes like a flamenco guitarist and collating bebop and Colombian music; he is practically a world unto himself. His style is fascinatingly percussive and he plucks dynamic basslines almost invisibly while picking out melodies with his right hand. Edmar moved to the United States in 1994 and was quickly recognized for his unmatched style and sound.
He has performed with Paquito D'Rivera, John Scofield, Wynton Marsalis JLCO, John Patitucci, Pablo Zinger, Dave Samuels, Trio De Paz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Lila Downs, Janis Siegel, Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban jazz big band, The Django Reinhardt NY festival, The United Nations Orchestra, among numerous others.
He also tours regularly as the leader of the Edmar Castaneda Trio, together with trombone and drums. His playing is striking for its rhythmic complexities, driving basslines and sheer musical force.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES FOR EDMAR CASTANEDA
September 22-27th, 2009 -The Blue Note - New York City
October 3rd, 2009- CAMAC Harp Festival – Lille, France
November 6th, 2009 – Birdland – New York City
“A jazz harpist of imposing talent." -THE NEW YORK TIMES
“Edmar is an enormous talent, he has the versatility and the enchanting charisma of a musician who has taken his harp out of the shadow to become one of the most original musicians from the Big Apple." - PAQUITO D'RIVERA
“The phenomenal Columbian harpist Edmar Castaneda, whose technically astounding approach to the instrument normally associated with classical music has been registering with scenesters over the past year. Covering independent, heavily grooving bass lines with his left hand while chording and also running counterpoint melodies and dazzling triplet figures with his right hand (a kind of Charlie Hunter or Joe Passian approach to the harp),... - BILL MILKOWSKI - JAZZ TIMES
About Edmar Castaneda:
Colombian harpist, bandleader and composer Edmar Castaneda was born in Bogota, Colombia where he started playing the Colombian harp at the early age of thirteen. He has a unique style of playing harp Combining Latin jazz with traditional Colombian music; Edmar has carved a firm place in the international jazz scene. A jazz harpist of imposing talent, he transforms the harp into a lead instrument to phenomenal effect. Producing cross-rhythms like a drummer, smashing chordal flourishes like a flamenco guitarist and collating bebop and Colombian music; he is practically a world unto himself. His style is fascinatingly percussive and he plucks dynamic basslines almost invisibly while picking out melodies with his right hand. Edmar moved to the United States in 1994 and was quickly recognized for his unmatched style and sound.
He has performed with Paquito D'Rivera, John Scofield, Wynton Marsalis JLCO, John Patitucci, Pablo Zinger, Dave Samuels, Trio De Paz, Giovanni Hidalgo, Lila Downs, Janis Siegel, Chico O'Farrill Afro-Cuban jazz big band, The Django Reinhardt NY festival, The United Nations Orchestra, among numerous others.
He also tours regularly as the leader of the Edmar Castaneda Trio, together with trombone and drums. His playing is striking for its rhythmic complexities, driving basslines and sheer musical force.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES FOR EDMAR CASTANEDA
September 22-27th, 2009 -The Blue Note - New York City
October 3rd, 2009- CAMAC Harp Festival – Lille, France
November 6th, 2009 – Birdland – New York City
For more information contact Two for the Show Media.
