Edmar Castaneda – Cuarto De Colores (2005) {EC}

Harps are not commonly heard in jazz, especially as a lead instrument. Edmar Castaneda, a Colombian Harpist, band leader, and composer, was born in Bogota, Colombia, where he started playing the Colombian harp at the age of thirteen, and over the years, he has developed amazing chops, much on display here. Those who have not heard jazz harp might expect it to sound wimpy or simply out of place in such a setting, but Castaneda burns it up on this album. Featuring Marshall Gilkes on trombone and Dave Silliman on drums, “Cuarto de colores” displays tremendous subtlety and maturity. Adventurous souls who develop a taste for the sound of this artist might also check out Carol Emanuel’s excellent “Tops of Trees,” featuring Bobby Previte, Marty Ehrlich, Marc Ribot, Hank Roberts, and Guy Klucevsek.

Track List
01. Sonrisas (3:19)
02. Andrea (4:02)
03. Autumn Leaves (3:38)
04. Cuarto De Colores (5:52)
05. Negrita (1:10)
06. Madrugaga Azul (5:11)
07. Amen (0:38)
08. Alfonsina Y El Mar (5:57)
09. Afrojoropo (4:34)
10. El Camino (4:39)
11. Media Luna (1:03)
12. Buleria (5:48)
13. Ginebra (4:55)

musicians
Edmar Castaneda – harp
Paquito D’Rivera – clarinet
Oscar Staganaro – bass
Ari Hoenig – drums
Pedro Martinez – conga, bata, vocal
Hector Del Curto – bandoneon
Mike Rodriguez – trumpet
Marshall Gilkes – trombone
Dave Silliman – drums, percussion

Produced by Edmar Castaneda