Jazz Articles about Edmar Castaneda

Edmar Castañeda Trio at the Jazz Standard

by Ernest Barteldes
January 2, 2010

Edmar Castañeda Trio with Joe Locke, Samuel Torres and Andrea Tierra Jazz Standard New York, New York December 22, 2009

A sold-out room warmly greeted harpist Edmar Castañeda's trio as they took the stage opening their set with the up-tempo “Entre Cuerdas," the title track off the leader's new album. The tune began with a Middle Eastern feel, then quickly took on a Latin American character. Castañeda exhibited impressive mastery (there is ...

Edmar Casteneda: Entre Cuerdas

by Woodrow Wilkins
September 16, 2009

The harp is a jazz instrument? Though not as widely appreciated as, say, the saxophone, a few daring souls have taken this classical instrument into the world of improvisation--among them, Dorothy Ashby, Deborah Henson-Conant and Lori Andrews. Colombian-born Edmar Casteneda is another in their ranks. Casteneda began playing harp at age 13. His career has brought him into association with Paquito D'Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, John Patitucci, Dave Samuels, Janis Siegel and many others. For much of Entre Cuerdas, ...

Edmar Castaneda: Entre Cuerdas

by Dan McClenaghan
August 8, 2009

The harp seems such a cerebral instrument, the sound a mix of, light, lush delicacy, refinement and finesse. It is not often heard in jazz outside of large ensemble settings. Columbian harpist/bandleader/composer Edmar Castaneda seems intent on changing that dynamic. On Entre Cuerdas, Castaneda employs a trio of unlikely parts: harp, trombone and percussion, and approaches his art with the heart and raw energy of a delta blues player combined with the unfettered passion and instrumental acumen of ...