Upon arriving in the United States in 1994, Colombian-born Edmar CastaƱeda has made a name for himself as the preeminent jazz harp virtuoso. CastaƱeda brings forth a brilliance that beautifully merges the jazz tradition with a diverse set of styles and genres while bringing unbridled attention to a somewhat unfamiliar instrument: the harp. CastaƱeda has cemented the harpās place in jazz with innovative technique and heartfelt creativity from a wealth of formidable collaborations with music titans such as Sting, Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ricki Lee Jones, Hiromi, John Patitucci, Pedrito Martinez, Marcus Miller, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ivan Lins, The Yellowjackets, Paco De Lucia, and Paquito DāRivera.Ā
CastaƱeda followed up seven albums with his latest recording project, Viento Sur, featuring a nine-person ensemble of acclaimed global musicians from Switzerland, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Chile, USA, Argentina, and Colombia. CastaƱedaās renowned albums as a bandleader are interchanged with awe-inspiring symphonic works with the likes of the Orquestra ClĆ”ssica de Espinho and the SĆ£o Paulo Jazz Symphony Orchestra, and chamber pieces for the Israel Camerata Jerusalem and the Orquestra SinfĆ³nica Nacional de Colombia. He was ushered into the jazz community by Paquito DāRivera, who recognized CastaƱedaās passion and took the young harpist under his wing. DāRivera has called him āan enormous talent.ā