“ Producing cross-rhythms like a drummer , smashing chordal flourishes like a flamenco guitarist and collating bebop and Colombian music , he was almost a world unto him-self.”
-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."
Colombian Harpist , Band leader and composer Edmar Castaneda was born in Colombia Bogota 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. Now in his late 20s, 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, Ed Simon , Trio De Paz, Guiovani Hidalgo ,Lila Downs, Janis siegel , Chico O'farrill Afro-cuban jazz big band , DJango Reinhardt NY festival, The united Nation Orchestra, among other renowned musicians.
He also tours regularly as the leader of the Edmar Castaneda quartet, together with vocal, trombone and drums. His playing is striking for its rhythmic complexities, driving basslines and sheer musical force.
Que maravilla ese concierto de ustedes en JAZZ BALTICA!!! Después de no haber podido disfrutarlo en vivo - tuvimos por lo menos la posibilidad de "re-vivirlo" en la radio.... Un viaje por paisajes lindos, más o menos desconocidos... Mucha creatividad y fuerza y suerte para ti y t u grupo y que regresen pronto a Alemania (y que toquen tal vez tb. en Berlin... :-)..!!). K.
Hola Edmar, una abrazo desde la Capital de los Locos NYC , Su Musica es Belleza Pura, Sonido Joven y Popular.. Una Bendicion haberte conocido en persona
Gracias por sumarme a tu space.. es magnifico lo que haces con tu arpa.. tiempo hacia que no me deslumbraba tanto talento, felicitaciones por tu trabajo. Saludos desde Rosario Argentina // Willi
Hey Edmar como estas? oye un gusto encontrarnos por washington otra vez, espero pronto tocar juntos y compartir, oye este es mi email mcl_76@hotmail.com, y nos ponemos de acuerdo para algun dia vengas por xalapa, un abrazo fuerte y nos vemos pronto, cuidate mucho saludos.