Viento Sur (self-released)
Edmar Castañeda World Ensemble
Released May 5, 2023
DownBeat Five-Star Review
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m23DowAij4zBuohLs-tfy7huNPsxdoWi0
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About:
Edmar Castañeda follows up seven albums (Cuarto de Colores; Entre Cuerdas; Double Portion; Live at the Jazz Standard; Live In Montreal; Harp vs. Harp, Family) with his latest recording project, Viento Sur, with a nine-person ensemble of acclaimed global musicians from Switzerland, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Chile, USA, Argentina, and Colombia. An array of compositions on Viento Sur are commissioned by American Chamber Music from the “New Jazz Works Grant.”
Edmar Castañeda World Ensemble includes Castañeda on harp and his wife, the renowned Colombian singer Andrea Tierra on vocals, as well as Itai Kriss (flute, Israel), Helio Alves (piano, Brazil), Gregoire Maret (harmonica, Switzerland), Ryan Reberle (trombone, U.S.A.), Felipe Lamoglia (saxophone, Cuba), Rodrigo Villalon (drums, Chile), and Marcelo Woloski (percussion, Argentina). A true global collaboration inspired by traditional Latin America rhythms (Samba, Joropo, Chacarera, Tango, Landó, Latin Jazz) from a collective of jazz artists spanning the globe, Viento Sur, brings together nine musicians who musically tackle themes of racism, depression, love, and reasons to live a flourishing life. Andrea Tierra lends her powerful vocals to four compositions while Edmar leads his ensemble in an eclectic orchestration of his singular original works.
Viento Sur begins with “Tá Bom,” which is a Portuguese expression for “Everything Is OK” in Brazil, Castañeda opens Viento Sur with a reassuring sentiment that we are going to be alright. “Eclesiastés 9” is inspired by a Bible verse, “Enjoy life with your loved one, as this is what is left for everyone.” The lyrics invite us to think about the real meaning of life.
An Argentinean zamba written by the great Atahualpa Yupanqui, “Piedra y Camino” is a love song Castañeda and his wife adore because of its profound lyrics. “Arpaquito” is a grooving song dedicated to Castañeda’s dearest friend, the Cuban-American saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera.
Meaning “strong wind” in Spanish, “Ventarrón” is inspired by the Argentinean tango and features a poem inviting us to be united in peace. “Sanar” (meaning “Healing”) is a rhythm of the Argentinean dance, Chacarera. The lyrics encourage listeners to let go of the things that hurt us most. It dives into the topic of depression, and the need of trusting and loving ourselves just as we are. A song of celebration and the revelry of music and love, “La Vie en Chandé” is a rhythm “Chandé” from the coast of Colombia. “Raza” defends the rights of our African heritage.
“I firmly believe there is strength in unity and this is essential to my music,” says Edmar Castañeda. “I like the madness of arranging instruments that are not commonly performed together, such as the harp and harmonica. On Viento Sur, the union of these nine musicians creates a message of joy, highlighting the beauty of Latin American rhythms and the infinite power of jazz.”
Edmar Castañeda’s unparalleled versatility on the harp has caught the attention of musical titans such as Sting, Bela Fleck, John Scofield, Ricki Lee Jones, John Patitucci, and Pedrito Martinez; all of whom Castañeda has collaborated with either on stage or in the recording studio.
Track Listing:
1. Tá Bom 08:12
2. Eclesiastés 9 07:46
3. Piedra y Camino 05:05
4. Arpaquito 05:58
5. Ventarrón 07:05
6. Sanar 05:51
7. La Vie en Chandé 07:06
8. Raza 05:55
Personnel:
Edmar Castañeda: harp
Andrea Tierra: vocals
Itai Kriss: flute
Helio Alves: piano
Gregoire Maret: harmónica
Ryan Keberle: trombone
Felipe Lamoglia: saxofones
Rodrigo Villalon: drums
Marcelo Woloski: percussion
Review:
This is delightfully refreshing, soulful, original, acoustic music, propelled by Latin rhythms, ensemble panache and individual brilliance. In his most ambitious project yet, acclaimed Colombian harpist Castañeda draws on and updates an amalgam of international elements, retaining authenticity while conducting modernistic transformations. His ace nonet, with members from Switzerland, Brazil, Cuba, Israel, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and the U.S., perform with gumption, balanced even during collective polyphony. Their themes are deep, but enlivening. Castañeda’s arrangements are cinematically exciting, swirling over a busy flow that he generates by treating the harp as a couple of guitars and a bass, capable of lovely resonances and chilly, sharp edges. Flutist Itai Kriss often rides atop the ensemble, harmonica player Gregoire Maret provides lyrical extensions, the lower horns offer dynamic backdrops and step out with melodic yet highly energized (Ryan Keberle!) statements of their own, while pianist Helio Alves most commendably serves the whole. Singer Andrea Tierra is compelling on four tracks, even to non-Spanish speakers. Viento Sur means “Southern Wind.” The album’s foundation in Argentine, Brazilian, Cuban and Colombian dance forms does render the material generic, but launches new approaches, as Shakti recast Indian music or Return to Forever tapped Brazilian fusion. Viva Edmar and this troupe’s invigorating air.
Howard Mandel (DownBeat)
