EyeShotJazz | Jazz Photography

2015 Earshot Jazz Festival presented at Cornish College, in a rare solo performance, the “hippest harpist” (Wall Street Journal), from Colombia, demonstrates the virtuosic command that explains his growing acclaim. He produces symphonic, rapid-fire, melodic Latin American rhythms. Opening, also in distilled solo performance, is Seattle’s brilliant Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto. After his set Castañeda was joined on stage by Jovino Santos Neto for a duet that was great.

An astounding instrumentalist with a unique approach to South American composition, Edmar Castañeda is gaining respect and acclaim in the international jazz community. Born in Bogota, Columbia, Castañeda followed his father’s pursuit of mastery on entrancing South American harp. Though Castañeda tours frequently with his trio, and as a member of the Andrea Tierra Quartet, we are fortunate tonight to enjoy the full force of his animated and captivating solo performance.

The Brazilian transplant and resident genius, Jovino Santos Neto, opens the evening with a rare solo piano (and melodica) performance. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Santos Neto moved to Seattle, and a fruitful association with Cornish College of the Arts, after a performance stop here with his musical mentor, the great Hermeto Pascal. Santos Neto’s mastery of many subgenres of South American music, his gifts as an educator, and his palpable joy in performance have made him a valuable part of Seattle’s music scene. This will be a night of compelling performance, incredible virtuosity, and absolute fun!