Hiromi / Edmar Castañeda - Live In Montreal CD (Mega Blowout Sale)
SKU
23-Telarc 888072037212
“A perfect match of musicians who are known for their energy, crisp innovation, and exciting, dense compositions, Japanese pianist Hiromi and Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda give us a stunning live concert recording.
The sound of the harp is different than normally experienced at a symphony. Castaneda plays a custom instrument that is modified from the taut Latin American harp, although played with the same staccato technique with fingernails. It is reshaped along Celtic or classical lines, with altered pedals, sound box, pegs, the wrapping of bass strings, additional strings plus an internal microphone with volume controls.
The first track, a composition of his, immediately grabs attentions and establishes his extraordinary speed and power while Hiromi adds a more bass accompaniment equal in vigor. For Jaco appropriately showcases the bass notes of both instruments; and via the piano's dampening pedal and later prepared devices in addition to some fun harp string slides and plucking, a blues develops that expands into a tour de force of peculiar sounds. The second section has an extended harp solo. The paradoxical Moonlight Sunshine is a Hiromi ballad, gentle and sweet. With the slower tempo, the improvised variations on the harp stand out. When I read Cantina Band by John Williams on the package notes, I immediately thought of Star Wars and am pleased to report that, yes, it is indeed that. Needless to say, this was great joy for both musicians and audience. Next Hiromi poetically explores The Elements of air, earth, water, and fire, with a lighthearted tune; a rough bass, rhythmic yet melodic romp; a flowing spring with string harmonics and arpeggios; and a fast, hot, de Falla-like Spanish dance with chordal and direct hand-instrumental percussion. The last piece is Astor Piazzolla's very popular Libertango performed with intensity and speed.
Mentored by Paquito D'Rivera, Castaneda has increasingly performed with jazz artists of various styles, but the present tour with Hiromi is bringing him to greater public attention. The two seem to speak the same musical language.”-Debra Jan Bibel
- LabelTelarc
- UPC888072037212