Edmar Castaneda
Entre Cuerdas
Artist Share
www.edmarcastaneda.com
By George W. Harris

Don’t think there’s anything new out there? Try this dandy-Colombian
jazz harpist Edmar Castaneda puts together a concise yet free trio with
trombonist Marshall Gilkes and drummer/percussionist Dave Silliman on a thrilling disc of passionate originals. The music perfectly melds South
American folk music with the beat and pulse of jazz. Castaneda uses
the harp like a guitar, playing it for chords, single note solos and
effects. The weaves in and around Gilkes’ horn like pedestrians on an
intersection, just missing the oncoming traffic. The songs like
“Sabroson” (which features guest John Scofield) and “Colobria” (ditto
with Joe Locke) are filled with various intriguing directions and
paths. Simple, yet complex, the music has a blend of Latin passion,
American drive, and Biblical faith. Not a bad combo at all!