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There’s comfort in flutist Brachfeld’s loving embrace of samba and bossa nova in this tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim. Although she doesn’t dare so much as a single wayward note, her full-bodied sonorous tone makes for a consistently pleasant listen. ~Eric Snider, Jazziz.com, March 2020
“Brachfeld is more than able to kick out the jams, evidenced by her barnburning solo on Jobim’s “Waters of March.” “The flautist is perfectly capable of cooking things off, as she does with Jobim’s lithesome “Amparo.” “Brachfeld’s “Girl from Ipanema” is performed at a brisk and precise pace, with velocity great enough to evaporate the […]
The flute as the lead instrument in any jazz combo relies on an empathic and sensitive rhythm section that will not overpower the wind instrument’s delicate voice (Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson notwithstanding). Flautist Andrea Brachfeld happens upon a dandy rhythm section in pianist Bill O’Connell, bassist Harvie S and drummers Jason Tiemann and T Portinho. That said, […]
“…but the craft Brachfeld’s outfit brings to the table makes many of the tracks ripple with laudable precision.” ~Jim Macnie, downbeat.com, February, 2020
“The veteran flutist spellbound with her assured virtuosity and clear emotional projections as she explores some of Jobim’s beloved classics and a trio of alluring originals.” ~John Murph, downbeat.com, February, 2020
“Brachfeld’s forthright playing and fresh arrangements of classic Brazilian fare land just this side of outright exhilarating. With this album, the bandleader reminds us that distance can entice and whispers reveal.” ~Suzanne Lorge, downbeat.com, February, 2020
~Jim Macnie, Downbeat February 2020
“Brachfeld’s tone and solos are lyrical and always optimistic. There’s a smile on the beach of Ipanema.” ~George Harris, Jazz Weekly, February 2020
Andrea Brachfeld plays flute and the darker alto flute set to a collection of Brazilian themes dominated by Antonio Jobim. She mixes and matches with Bill O’Connell/p-key, Harvie S-Lincoln Goines/g, Roni Ben-Hur/g, T. Portinho-Jason Tiemann/dr and Chembo Corniel/perc with some boppy pieces like her own “Espaco Aberto” and a relaxed “Triste E Solitaria.” Jobim’s “Double […]
“While Brazilian Whispers marks Andrea Brachfeld’s first thorough exploration of the titular stream of sound, you’d never know it from the results. Teaming up with Bill O’Connell, her longtime pianist and sounding board, the veteran flutist, who’s typically engaged in Afro-Cuban affairs or straight ahead suggestions, sounds like she’s been playing this music all her life.” “…the vibrant […]