Edo Castro
Accomplished composer and innovative bassist, Passion Star Records
artist Edo Castro has a gift that transforms the sound of unique multi-
stringed basses into a palate from which intricate compositions are
drawn. Castro lures the listener to embark on an amazing and stirring
journey. He has been described as “very expressive – from ethereal to
grooving – great writing and playing;” and his fan base spans the
globe. In the last 15 years, Castro has contributed to over 20 albums
including two solo efforts released to wide acclaim: Edo (2001) and
Phoenix (2006), a natural atmospheric expansion and evolutionary
outgrowth of his debut release.
Castro frequently finds himself sought after to perform and record
with local Bay Area musicians, among them Ian Doogle, Deborah
Winters, Jill Knight, Eva Jay Fortune, Paul Van Wageningen, Caroline
Aiken, Dan Zinn, Michael La Macchia, Armando Peraza, Caren
Armstrong, Percy Howard, Mike Molenda, Deborah Pardes, David
Sobel, Stu Hamm, Lorn Leber, George Brooks, etc. During his tenure in
Chicago he also had the pleasure of performing with David Amram,
Mark Walker, Hassan Kahn, Pete Cosey, Roy Haynes, Fareed Haque,
David Onderdonk, Nick Kitsos, Ed Thigpen, Johnny Griffin, Joe
Sonnefeldt, Stu Greenspan, Bethany Pickens and Jim Trompeter.
Castro once sat in on a set with percussion legend Roy Haynes who
later said “When you’re in town, give me a call.”
Edo has recently worked and collaborated with Michael
Manring,Percy Jones, David Friesen, Al Caldwell, Steve Erquiaga, Chris
Cardonne and Grammy award winning Mark Isham on his latest CD
entitled "Sacred Graffiti."
I first discovered Conklin Basses in Bass Player Magazine some time around
1989-91. I do remember clearly when I opened the page for the Giveaway
Contest to win a 7 String Conklin Bass. (New Century Model?) I was stunned.
I meticulously tore the page out, entered the contest and taped the page on
my wall. I hadn't seen anything as beautiful as that bass. Inasmuch as I
visualized and wished, I didn't win the bass.
Despite not winning the giveaway contest, it was at that moment Conklin
Basses became the BMW of bass guitars for me: Stylish,Sexy and unique in
appearance. And because I was looking for a bass that could handle 7
strings this was a dream come true because Bill Conklin was one of the first
to revolutionize the multi-string bass.
It wasn't much later that I finally got a Conklin Bass. Well truth be told I
was fortunate enough to get several Conklin Basses. Their designs and
innovations have paved the road for other builders.
Bill and Mike have been great to work with. They're both sticklers for detail
and above all just great guys.
I've owned & played many other basses but for me my Conklins are always
my first choice for any playing situation because of their overall sound,
unique look, feel and playability. Their 7 String sidewinder bass w/the bolt-
on neck design is by far the most outstanding instrument to date and my
personal favorite. I used my 7 string fretted and Fretless Conklins on my
first CD entitled "Edo". For my 2nd CD "Phoenix" I used my 9 and 7 string
Conklins along with my Midi 6 String Bill made for me."
-Edo Castro
Edo's Conklin Basses include:
2 Custom GT 7 (Fretted and Fretless)
1 Custom Sidewinder 7 String Fretless (Neck-Through)
1 Custom Sidewinder 7 String Walnut Fretted
1 Custom Sidewinder 7 string Zebrawood Fretted
1 Custom Sidewinder 9 String PurpleHeart
1 Custom Sidewinder 8 String Fretless Walnut
1 MEU 5 String (In progress)
1 GT Artist Rocco Prestia 4 string
Quotes about Edo Castro
"Castro’s signature sound is of course his musicality. His use of the bass as a
melodic instrument and as a leading instrument, is unique and intriguing.
He certainly has the ability as a composer to adequately and appropriately
spotlight his skills on the bass, and he has the chops as an instrumentalist
to back up this spotlight on an instrument that isn’t accustomed to this
role. Finally, he has the foresight as an arranger to create the perfect
background cushion for his melodic statements." - Dave Miele, Jazz Improv
Magazine
"Castro is much more concerned with mood and texture, not to mention
melody, than with extroverted, chops-flashing bravado." - Kai Horsthemke -
SABassPlayers.com
"Edo Castro's passion for music in general and the electric bass guitar in
specific are undeniable! Edo spent many years as a disciplined self-taught
bassist before attending Chicago's American Conservatory of Music where
he received a Bachelor of Music degree. Since returning to his beloved
Berkeley, CA he has graced dozens of recordings – often with his 7 and 9-
string instruments – and he has shared stages with artists such as Ed
Thigpen, Fareed Haque, Pete Cosey, and Roy Haynes!" - Brent-Anthony
Johnson - Bass Musician Magazine