While Andrea Brachfeld is perhaps best known for her work in Latin Jazz, Lady Of The Island is her first full-length straight-ahead jazz CD. Featured on C flute and alto flute, she stakes her claim as one of the top jazz flutists around today. With a rhythm section usually comprised pianist Bill O’ Connell (who provided some of the arrangements), bassist Andy Eulau and drummer Kim Plainfield, the flutist is assisted by such guests as trumpeter Wallace Roney, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, altoist Todd Bashore and percussionist Chembo Corniel on various tracks. From “Bebop Hanna” (one of the leader’s four originals) and Herbie Hancock’s “Eye of the Hurricane,” to Freddie Hubbard’s “Birdlike” and O’ Connell’s “Dead Ahead,” this is a well-rounded set of modern swinging jazz.
Every selection has its fun moments. Lady of the Island, available from www.zohomusic.com, is Andrea Brachfeld’s definitive recording thus far.
– Scott Yanow, October 2012, Waxing Poetic Reviews