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While the flute has been an important part of Cuban music and Afro-Cuban jazz since its beginnings, it is heard less often in Brazilian jazz settings. That is surprising since its soothing sound is a natural fit for gentle bossa novas. Andrea Brachfeld, one of the top jazz flutists of the past few decades, had […]
Flutist Andrea Brachfeld’s latest release does more than just whisper “Brazil’.” Start with eight classics from the vast Jobim songbook given some innovative touches — “Waters of March” infused with a swing feel, “Girl from Ipanema” recast as a samba. Add to them three genre-rich tunes co-composed by Brachfeld and pianist Bill O’Connell and Brachfeld’s soulful alto flute on “Never Let Me […]
Andrea Brachfeld plays both C and alto flute with a galloping team of Bill O’Connell/p-key, Harvie S-Lincoln Goines/b, Jason Tiemann/dr, Portinho/dr, Roni Ben-Hur/g and Chembo Corniel/perc on this mix of Jobim and originals. O’Connell’s keyboards give a vintage CTI soul feel to the rich read of “Double Rainbow” and “Ligia” as Portinho’s brushes glide to the […]
“Brazilian Whispers” is the result of fan request for Andrea Brachfeld to play more Brazilian music. Her thorough research resulted in an album true to the music while conserving her signature style. Original Brazilian Music Standards Once Andrea decided to release an album of Brazilian jazz, she did a thorough research of the country’s music. In particular, […]
~Jane Cornwell, Jazzwise.com, April 2020
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
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, […]
~Jim Macnie, Downbeat 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 […]