By Laura Eckles, KCCK Programming Intern

Edmar Castaneda, the Colombian harp player is arguably one of the most original players hailing from the Big Apple. Castaneda pursued jazz trumpet once moving to New York from Bogota; but, he soon realized that he wanted to apply the jazz techniques he had learned to his original instrument, the harp. The harp has been utilized in jazz improvisation before by players like Dorothy Ashby, Zeena Parkins, and a few others, but is definitely an outlier where jazz instruments are concerned

Edmar Castaneda currently has four albums out, the latest being released in 2015, “Edmar Castaneda World Ensemble: Live At the Jazz Standard.”

In 2012, Castaneda produced an album featuring Miguel Zenon, “Double Portion.” Castaneda uses an assortment of influences like joropo, Latin, tango, Brazilian, and flamenco vibes to create his music. He has comprised a talented trio, but you may be surprised what he accomplishes on his harp alone. He plays lead melodies, harmonizes, lays down bass lines, and even adds rhythmic depth to the trio.  The Edmar Castaneda Trio will be performing at the Iowa City Jazz Festival on Sunday, July 3, at 4 p.m. on the Main Stage.