Meet the Grantees Edmar Castañeda

What can listeners expect to hear?
There are pieces like Global Heartbeat, inspired by the rhythm of the planet’s heart; 20 Days, a composition dedicated to my wife, Andrea Tierra, the day we met I told her that we would get married, and twenty days later we did, now we’re celebrating 21 years together. There’s also Rumba en la Casa, inspired by the joyful parties at home, celebrating life. This album is a continuation of my latest album as a quartet “Family” nominated to the Grammys. I think peace starts at home and then it is spread to the world, the message is to build a better world starting with the idea of family, embracing our differences, embracing all our colors.

Your performances feature your quartet with Andrea Tierra, Birsa Chatterjee, and Julian Miltenberger, with special guests Zeudi and Zamir Castañeda. Can you discuss your relationship to these collaborators and how they have helped shape your work?
Over the past year, I’ve been performing with Julian and Birsa, and they’ve been a great source of inspiration for this music. Birsa brings a beautiful influence from his Indian background, his approach to the tenor saxophone is unique, and as a master of the tabla, he adds a deep, earthy color to the sound. Julian is a young and talented drummer, full of creativity, passion and rhythm, always eagering to learn and contribute.

Andrea Tierra, brings a powerful message of hope and love in her lyrics and poetry, blending Latin American folklore with her poetic voice. Our two special guests are our children and it makes the album even more meaningful. Zeudi will sing the very first song Andrea and I ever performed together, and Zamir will play maracas, improvising and creating rhythms alongside the tabla.

Are there any other upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re excited about?
First of all, I’m very happy to be performing these concerts and hearing the new music come to life before we go into the studio to record it. At the same time, I recently finished a piece for string orchestra and harp that I premiered this year at Carnegie Hall, and I hope to record it next year.

Also next year, I’ll be recording a suite that I co-wrote with Samuel Torres called Tres Cordilleras, as well as another piece I composed for my dear friend Paquito D’Rivera, titled Arpaquito, together with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Can you name an important mentor or inspiration for you?
When I first arrived in New York in 1994 and heard jazz for the first time, it became a huge inspiration for everything I do with the harp. That music opened a new world for me and led me to connect with many great artists who continue to inspire me, people like Paquito D’Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, Paco de Lucía, and many others who have encouraged me to keep creating and exploring through music.

You’ve been awarded CMA’s New Jazz Works grant three times (2008, 2020, 2024). How has CMA aided your practice through the years?
CMA has become like a true partner in my journey, giving me the freedom and opportunity to bring new music to life and to grow as an artist. I’m deeply grateful for every moment and every adventure they have supported along the way. Programs like this should exist all over the world. Imagine how much incredible music would be born!