Pavelid Castaneda, harp; self-released, 2013
4.5 harps
(Note: recording reviews prior to 2014 were based on a 5-star system.)
It’s hard to remain seated or stay still listening to the groove of the bright green electric harp played by Pavelid Castaneda on his new disc Fiesta en Naranjal. The album is one long party that tells the story of the Castaneda family emigrating from their tiny community about an hour outside of Bogota, Colombia, to the melting pot of sounds in the United States, and making their own stunningly distinct contribution.
Fiesta is an all-in-the-family project. Pavelid’s son Edmar—who is making his own very successful way as a jazz harpist in New York—arranged, recorded, and produced the CD drawing on childhood memories in Colombia. Other Castanedas, including rich, throaty singer Johanna and guitarist Angela, make featured appearances in the band.
Though the title track, along with “Angelapi,” are the most memorable dance numbers for me, I am drawn to Itai Kriss’s flute playing on “Song for Fahir Gladis,” a work of incredible joy for a life that was sadly cut short. It is an homage to Pavelid’s younger brother who died of cancer in 2001.
Curiously more nostalgic is the slower dance for Pavelid’s wife of over 30 years, Gladis. Saxophonist Schlomi Cohen brings an almost klezmer swing to it, and when Pavelid cuts away on his solo, you hear gentleness and care caressing those strings.
Most stunning are the fugues. First is “Fuga Intro,” hopeful and innocent, but as steady as a heartbeat. This track is followed by “Fuga de ilusiones.” The Castanedas eloped and endured some rough times, but it would seem at all times with a back beat—and plenty of illusions intact.
Pavelid tells us that South American harpists play with passion, soul, and fire in the fingers. And I might, add spirit. He teaches and plays at a Catholic church in Chapel Hill, N.C. One of the most jazz-influenced works on the album is “Yahve”—the Old Testament God, Yahweh. It moves in a walking tempo like thousands of years of migration, beginning with Moses leading his people out of Egypt. What a way to express one’s faith!
When you take a quick gander at Pavelid Castaneda’s website you’ll see he loves it all: Salsa, Meringue, Cumbia, Andean, Llanera, Paraguayan, Mexican, and Flamenco, with a little side of Carlos Santana. This album is a fusion, something truly Latin-American that just makes me feel good, smile, and want to get back to my dance classes! •
Alison Young is a classical music host and producer at Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media. She left a successful career as a flutist a decade ago after she developed a neurological disorder, but before then enjoyed many years traveling the world giving recitals, performing concertos, playing with some of the finest orchestras, and recording her own discs. Nowadays, Young spins discs and is always on the lookout for the next best thing. You can contact her at ayoung@mpr.org.
