Harpist, band leader and composer, was born in Bogotá,
Colombia where he started playing the Colombian harp at age
thirteen. His unique style, combining Latin jazz with
traditional Colombian music, has earned Edmar a firm place
in the international jazz scene. By transforming the harp
into a lead instrument, 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. A fascinatingly percussive
style, he plucks dynamic basslines almost invisibly while
picking out melodies with his right hand. 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, Dave Samuels, Trio De Paz, Giovani
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 leader of the Edmar Castañeda Trio,
together with trombone and drums.
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