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To play alongside latin Masters, Dave Valentin, and Ray Barretto, a musician must be really good and have an extense knowledge of the Latin music language. Flutist Andrea Brachfeld is one of those rare jazz musicians who feels equally comfortable and is just as good playing either traditional jazz or Latin jazz. If not now, […]
“…(Andrea) developed a brilliant virtuosity that was as suited to the straight ahead jazz sound on which she often situates her own recordings—certainly her newest, If Not Now, When?” ~Mike West, Washingtoncitypaper.com, August 2018
Loving jazz flute means not getting many opportunities to write about it. Most of the time it’s a saxophonist’s second (or third) instrument, broken out in a big band to play the Frank Wess part in an old Basie chart and then put away for a few weeks. It’s a shame, because the flute and […]
Andrea Brachfeld: If Not Now, When? (Jazzheads): If the adage, “the whole is greater than the sum of the parts” were ever true — and it is — it’s true about flutist Andrea Brachfeld’s latest release. Through nine of her original compositions Brachfeld, pianist Bill O’Connell, bassist Harvie S, and drummer Jason Tiemann create group […]
The Feature CD of the Week is from jazz flautist Andrea Brachfeld and it is titled If Not Now, When? This is an album that Andrea put a lot of thought into according to her liner notes. She mentions that she discovered that the jazz audience is interested in what inspired a musician to write […]
“We had Joe Farrell, Herbie Mann and Dave Valentin. We still have Hubert Laws. But now is Andrea Brachfeld’s time as the top jazz flute player. Gorgeous tone, outstanding phrasing, and also a brilliant composer.” ~Arnaldo DeSouteiro, July 2018, Jazz Station – Arnaldo Desouteiro’s Blog
Instrumental Jazz CD of the Month Andrea Brachfeld: “If Not Now, When?” (Jazzheads JHI229) 2018 Rating: ***** (musical performance & sonic quality) Produced by Andrea Brachfeld & Bill O’Connell Recorded @ Mozart Studio and Trading8’s Studio Mixed by David Kowalski & Harvie S Mastered by Dave Darlington Photo & Graphic Design: Christopher Drukker Featuring: Andrea […]
“Sometimes, the flute can get overwhelmed in a company of strong personalities, but Brachfeld not only holds her own, but commands respect on this impressive modern beauty.” ~George W. Harris, July 2018, Jazz Weekly
Strong and confident post bop is delivered by multi-flutiest Andrea Brachfeld and her team of Harvie S/b, Bill O’Connell/; and Jason Tieman/dr through a mix of mostly originals. The sole cover is an elegiac to modal read of “Amazing Grace” that covers a wide range of moods and textures. Brachfeld’s tone is warm and virile, […]
“In this driving, forceful style of jazz, the flute can easily be overpowered by the rhythm section. This is where Ms. Brachfeld sets herself apart from the rank and file of jazz flutists. With her extraordinary technical ability, few flutists are in her class. She creates a wall of sound with double- and quadruple-time that cuts through the rhythm section like a hot knife through butter, leading the way with
strength to rival any tenor saxophonist.” ~Jessica Valiente, July 2018, Flute Journal