James Rozzi – CD Review of “If Not Now, When?”

Following a year of reflection, Andrea Brachfeld composed and recorded a selection of songs that she submitted for a New Jazz Grant from Chamber Music America. The winning results can be heard on If Not Now, When? (Jazzheads) her ninth release as a leader. Nine of the 10 songs are collaborations melding Brachfeld’s sinewy melodies with veteran pianist Bill O’Connell’s contemporaneous harmonies. Straight ahead and swinging, courtesy of bassist Harvie S and drummer Jason Tiemann, this quartet is the manifestation of professionalism. The effect of forward- leaning saxophonists upon the flutist are tangible. Using Eric Dolphy- like inside/outside lines and Coltranish sound sheets, Brachfeld’s precisely articulated improvisations add a hefty dose of originality, always ending in fruition. ~James Rozzi, jazziz.com, Fall 2018