Harp Vs Harp

This is a classy jazz and global fusion set, featuring virtuoso duets by two musicians from wildly different backgrounds who play very different varieties of harp. Edmar Castañeda is from Colombia and was originally a folk musician and an exponent of the South American arpa llanera, while Grégoire Maret, who has worked with everyone from Prince to Herbie Hancock, is from Switzerland, and his ‘harps’ are the chromatic and chord harmonicas. They are both now based in New York, where they have made a major impression on the jazz scene, startling audiences with the range and unexpected noises they can coax from their instruments.

This collaboration starts with ‘Blueserinho’, a bluesy, Brazilianinspired Maret composition that begins with Castaňeda's clanging harp chords and a riff you might expect from a bass. He then eases back to provide backing for a jaunty harmonica solo before taking the lead himself. Elsewhere, there are lyrical ballads (including Maret's gentle and tuneful ‘Hope’), compositions by Brazilian composers Luiz Bonfá and Jacob do Bandolim, and guest appearances from that extraordinary banjo player Béla Fleck and Colombian singer Andrea Tierra with his brooding vocals. Worth checking out, even if you think you hate jazz.