Castaneda, Edmar: Double Portion

Born in 1978, in Bogota, Columbia, Castaneda has been making great harp – oriented jazz music since his move to New York in 1994. Castaneda is the son of a musician, and was nurtured to become a talented musician, practicing "joropo" dance with his sister, he learned to master the ability to move with his harp, adding motion to his overall performance.

This is the kind of inspired music we all want to hear being made by young people. The kind of arrangements and creativity that challenge old traditions and brings new innovations to the music scene. This is not your Harpo Marx, traditional lullaby music, (although that is some of my favorite harp music from the past). This harp music will have you on your feet dancing instead of searching out a convenient place to rest. It would be wonderful to see this music played live, because of the interesting ways Castaneda performs with the harp.

The theme of Castaneda's album is also inspiring, "...and so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours" Isaiah 61:7. Every track is full of inspiration, the excellent and varied harp – work will keep you joyfully entertained, and the piano, heavy bass sounds, alto sax, and mandolin only add to the variety and power of the music performed.

The opening 8:16 minute epic title track, "Double Portion" gets things off to an interesting start, which continues to amaze you throughout the album. The alto sax adds a cool metropolitan effect to "A Harp in New York". "Poem of Strings", is an incredible display of range and ability. "Libertango", my favorite track, will definitely get you up off your feet and dancing. "Quitapesares" weaves an excellent rhythm, full of harp, mandolin, and some of the best piano on the album. "Portrait D'un Jardin", (portrait of a garden), is so serene and the perfect mood setter for a Saturday or Sunday morning. "Samba for Ovieto" is a close rival to "Libertango", for the best track on the album.

You cannot go wrong with any track on this album. Varied and a complete surprise with each listen.

Track Listing:

1. Double Portion
2. Zeudi
3. A Harp in New York
4. Poem of Strings
5. Libertango
6. Ocaso De Mar
7. Quitapesares
8. Potrait D'un Jardin
9. A La Tierra
10. Somba for Orvieto

Added: May 5th 2012
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Edmar Castaneda.com
Hits: 2011
Language: english

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