Hiromi & Edmar Castaneda - Live In Montreal (2017) [Official Digital Download 24-bit/192kHz]

What an astonishing idea: Couple the sensational, genre-defying Japanese pianist Hiromi Uehara with the spellbinding Colombian harpist Edmar Castenada, who proves that his traditional Andean folk instrument is as unlimited as his musical imagination. Both these people are charmers: Since her 2003 debut recording "Another Mind", Hiromi has dazzled listeners with her explosive keyboard technique and performance style. She is classically trained, but clearly loves the spontaneous and unbound aspects of jazz. Castenada, whose father was a famed harpist, hails from Bogota. He emigrated to New York City in 1994, quickly attracting attention. In his hands the harp’s strings ring forcefully, adding unusual counterpoint to jazz’s encounters with all the world's possibilities. What do Hiromi and Castenada sound like in collaboration? Only a few audiences know - this is their first tour together. Bet on their music being fresh and lively.

Ever since the 2003 release of her debut Telarc album, „Another Mind“, Hiromi has electrified audiences and critics east and west, with a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop parameters, taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication. Most recently, she has had a string of successful albums with the trio of Anthony Jackson on bass and Simon Phillips on drums.

I don’t want to put a name on my music. Other people can put a name on what I do. It’s just the union of what I’ve been listening to and what I’ve been learning. It has some elements of classical music, it has some rock, it has some jazz, but I don’t want to give it a name.” (Hiromi)

Japan has produced an impressive assemblage of jazz pianists; from Toshiko Akiyoshi and Makoto Ozone to Junko Onishi. And now, well into the change of the 21st century, the pianist/composer Hiromi Uehara is the latest in that line of amazing musicians. Ever since the 2003 release of her debut Telarc CD Another Mind, Hiromi has electrified audiences and critics east and west, with a creative energy that encompasses and eclipses the boundaries of jazz, classical and pop parameters; taking improvisation and composition to new heights of complexity and sophistication. Her new CD, Alive, her ninth as a leader, features her critically-acclaimed Trio Project, consisting of contrabass guitarist Anthony Jackson (Steely Dan, Paul Simon, Michel Camilo, The O’Jay’s, and Chick Corea) and drummer Simon Phillips (Toto, The Who, Judas Priest, David Gilmour, and Jack Bruce).

“Hiromi is one of the most remarkable pianists of the past half century.” (All Music Guide)

Tracklist:

01 - A Harp In New York
02 - For Jaco
03 - Moonlight Sunshine
04 - Cantina Band
05 - The Elements: Air
06 - The Elements: Earth
07 - The Elements: Water
08 - The Elements: Fire
09 - Libertango

Recorded at the Festival international de Jazz de Montréal in Ludger Concert Hall on June 30, 2017 by Michael Bishop.

Musicians:
Hiromi Castaneda - piano
Edmar Castaneda - harp


Thanks to the Original customer!