David Silliman: Press

...major praise going to percussionist Dave Silliman, who did double duty on a conventional drum kit and an array of instruments that he used to enhance the music.

"Jazz cannot be limited by definitions or by rules. Jazz is, above all, a
total freedom to express oneself." -- Duke Ellington

Few modern jazz groups epitome more of Ellington's eloquence than the extraordinary, incomparable, and adventurous Edmar Castaneda Trio, with special guest Joe Locke. At first blush, it is difficult to conceptualize the probable voicing about to flow from such an eclectic and exotic ensemble, comprising of a Colombian Harp (Edmar Castaneda), flute (Itai Kriss), vibraphone (Joe Locke), and drummer/percussionist (Dave Silliman). But let me assure you that the music and presentation were rapturous and riveting, and the evening nothing short of enchantment.
(click the link for the full article)

Since 1994, Edmar Casteneda has been dazzling New York City audiences with his Peruvian harp playing, often providing melody, lead and rhythm in one fell swoop...
(click link for the full article)

"But there was also great stuff at the Arena...."

"Edmar Castaneda’s short opening set took Diana Krall’s mellow crowd by surprise. Castaneda plays the arpa llanera, or Colombian harp, a diatonic instrument from which he snatches twanging, sweet, twittering, chiming, dense sonorities like nothing else in contemporary music. Castaneda’s trio with drummer David C. Silliman and trombonist Marshall Gilkes included the “resident artists” at Umbria Jazz, performed nine times, and were among the revelations of the festival."

FREIHOFER'S JAZZ FESTIVAL (Day 1)
Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga, NY
June 24, 2006
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Colombian harpist Edmar Castaneda and his unique, nearly inconceivable ensemble comprising of a trombonist who also doubled on cello and a percussionist delivered the "wow" factor at the festival...

"2007 Panama Jazz Festival" review!!!
"The most amazing and well received new sensation for Panamanian jazz fans was Colombian harpist Edmar Castañeda. It wasn't just him, however. The entire band, which included trombone player Marshall Gilkes, drummer Dave Silliman and the vocalist Andrea Tierra, played brilliantly, mixing innovative jazz forms---including some trombone work like you probably have never heard before---with Colombian traditional music. In a festival dedicated to a late great female vocalist Tierra, who did not play in the publicity, wowed the audiences at least as much as any of the other talented women who sang. The CDs this band brought to sell were quickly snapped up by the fans and Castañeda's group got the concert's biggest ovations.

...Castenada performed a buoyant, Latin-tinged set with his unorthodox trio of trombonist Marshall Gilkes and drummer Dave Silliman, who performed on a hybrid kit that had him switching from cajon to the traps set with skillful aplomb.

"Spirit of Django Reinhardt Concert"

Review of concert - "Blossom Dearie and Dave Frishberg at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center"
Posted: 2005-04-21

"Autumn Samba - Starring: Gal Costa", (review) which was held at Carnegie Hall.

Dave Silliman provides percussion for The Edmar Castaneda Trio

...talking about the "Surround Sound" recording process.

New Book/DVD Release:
"Surround Sound Mixing in Pro Tools"
By: Rich Tozzoli

Photo's from New Orleans Trip.