Quotes – Andrea Brachfeld

If Not Now, When? KZSU Review

There’s an incredibly pliant simpatico driving this music ever higher and deeper.

~ Tom McCarter, KZSU 90.1fm Stanford, May, 2018
“Evolution” is not just an album; it’s an eloquent, impassioned plea for humanity.

“Evolution” is not just an album; it’s an eloquent, impassioned plea for humanity.

Brachfeld has serious jazz chops.

“Child of the Earth”, a spoken word affirmation, might be the album’s defining moment. Brachfeld’s delivery reflects the words’ urgency, her gradually rising voice driving the rhythm section relentlessly as the music builds and intensifies beneath her elemental message of acceptance and love.

Brachfeld clearly ranks among the top tier of jazz flutists.

She plays with an enviable fluidity and deep passion…

The first rate composing, arranging , and playing throughout Evolution, establishes it as one of the best releases of the year so far.

~ Terrell Holmes, The New York City Jazz Record, March 2023 View Article
Unique and Worldly Approach

“Brachfeld is joined by Bill O’Connell (piano), Harvie S (bass) and Jason Tiemann (drums, percussion), and they help make for a very unique and worldly approach to songwriting that you can’t help but appreciate. “

~ Take Effect, August 2022, takeeffectreviews.com
Jazz Weekly, George Harris

“Her flute floats on the upbeat “What’s UP “ and is cirrus fluffy for “The Unraveling Of It All”. Winds in the woods.”

~ George Harris, June 2022, jazzweekly.com
All About Jazz, Jack Bowers

“There is nothing at which she does not excel, regardless of mood or tempo.”

~ Jack Bowers, June 2022, allaboutjazz.com
Gorgeous, Rich Sound

“When I listen to the gorgeous, rich sound of flutist Andrea Brachfeld, I question why she is not constantly headlining at the world’s top jazz spots.”

~ Don Smith, May 2022, hothousejazz.com
Consistently Engaging

“…the music itself is consistently engaging and admirably performed by Brachfeld and her teammates. When the sum is totaled, that is what counts most.”

~ Jack Bowers, June 2022, allaboutjazz.com/
JazzDeLaPena

“With her longtime compatriots fully onboard, the music is allowed to respond to myriad influences, deftly blending into a distinctive voice.”

~Tomas dela Pena, April 2022, jazzdelapena.com/
Jazz Weekly

“Her flute floats on the upbeat “What’s UP “ and is cirrus fluffy for “The Unraveling Of It All”. Winds in the woods.”

~George Harris , June 2022, jazzweekly.com
Exploration of self

“With Evolution, Brachfeld continues her discoveries in music and exploration of self.”

~May 23, 2022, soundindepth.com
Powerful message

“The piece (Child of the Earth) ends with a powerful message: ‘We are all children of our Earth.'”

~Jane Kozhevnikova, June 10, 2022, allaboutjazz.com
Great quartet.

“Andrea Brachfeld, another fine new album from you! Great quartet.”

~Bradley Stone
Playing very cleanly

“You’re to be commended for playing very cleanly those unusual melodies… “

~Hubert Laws
Respected Presence

“…the versatile flutist and composer has been a well-established and respected presence on New York City’s jazz and Afro-Cuban scenes since around 1970. On Evolution, her tenth recording as a leader.”

~ Jack Bowers, June 2022, allaboutjazz.com/
Throughout the fine outing, Andrea Brachfeld is heard in top form

“Throughout the fine outing, Andrea Brachfeld is heard in top form, making this CD (Brazilian Whispers) an excellent introduction to her artistry.”

“…Andrea Brachfeld, one of the top jazz flutists of the past few decades…”

~Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Review, November 2020
Flutist Andrea Brachfeld’s latest release does more than just whisper ‘Brazil’

“Flutist Andrea Brachfeld’s latest release does more than just whisper ‘Brazil.'”

“…Brachfeld’s soulful alto flute on ‘Never Let Me Go.'”

~Bob Bernotas, Jazz Bob, June 2020
Brachfeld is dreamy on Passarim

“Brachfeld is dreamy on ‘Passarim’ and blends with ‘Ben-Hur’ on the sublime ‘Amparo’ …”

“O’Connell and Harvie S create a sublime mood for Brachfeld’s alto tones of a cirrus cloud on ‘Never Let Me Go’…”

~George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly, April 9, 2020
Andrea Brachfeld’s Insight Quartet knows Brazilian music well and performed it flawlessly

“The core of Andrea Brachfeld’s Insight Quartet knows Brazilian music well and performed it flawlessly.”

“These talented musicians performed like a well-oiled machine to produce music that transports you south to the land of the caipirinha.”

“Brazilian Whispers” is a refreshing album of Brazilian music. You get to listen to Jobim’s songs in a brand new way, with the ensemble led by Andrea, a veteran Latin Jazz flutist. “

~Hector Aviles, Latino Music Cafe, March 2020
Antonio Carlos ‘Tom’ Jobim is the gift that keeps on giving

“Antonio Carlos ‘Tom’ Jobim is the gift that keeps on giving – and where the flautist Brachfeld is concerned, his generosity knows no bounds.”

“…it’s as seamless as one might expect from a woman whose four – decade career includes eight albums under her own name and sessions for a veritable who’s who of Latin Jazzers from D’Rivera to Puente.”

~Jane Cornwell, Jazzwise.com, April 2020
Her Full-bodied Sonorous Tone Makes for a Consistently Pleasant Listen

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

“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 humidity of the original. Brachfeld’s soloing is robust and forward-thinking.”

“Brazilian Whispers is an exceptional Bossa Nova instrumental recording, well conceived and executed. “

~C. Michael Bailey, All About Jazz, February, 2020
Tracks Ripple With Laudable Precision

“…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
Veteran Flutist Spellbound

“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
Distance Can Entice and Whispers Reveal

“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
A Smile on the Beach of Ipanema

“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
Brazilian Beauty

“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 “Espaço Aberto” closes out the album with a smile and a samba-ish strut.”

“Whether dealing in introspection or cresting waves of exhilaration, Brachfeld’s flutes manage to capture the ineffable qualities of Brazilian beauty in its many forms.”

~Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz, February 2020
Happy and Relaxed
“Andrea Brachfeld is pictured smiling on her CD cover, with her head thrown back, the ocean waves and a tempered blue sky are the backdrop and she’s holding her flute delicately in her left hand. The first track of this album of Brazilian music sounds as happy and relaxed as this picturesque CD cover.”

~Dee Dee McNeil, Musical Memoirs, February 2020
An Excellent Recording
“An excellent recording providing rich and deep sounds. A top performance from all the participants on the disc.”

~La Habitación del Jazz, January 2020
The Album Oozes Optimism
“The album oozes optimism, is alive, danceable and listenable. And it’s not just about Brazilian music, even though that is enough, there are also moments of top quality jazz.”

~La Habitación del Jazz, January 2020
America’s Musical Love Affair – Roots Music Report
“America’s musical love affair with Brazilian music continues forward with the 2020 CD release of Brazilian Whispers by Andrea Brachfeld.”

~Robert Silverstein, Roots Music Report, January 2020
Most Upbeat and Positive – Roots Music Report
“Andrea has released Brazilian Whispers and the resulting album is one of the most upbeat and positive albums of Brazilian flavored instrumental jazz music in recent memory.”

~Robert Silverstein, Roots Music Report, January 2020
Best-Developed Solos – London Jazz News
“Sonhos e Cores, a well-written, dramatic Brachfeld/O’Connell original which benefits immensely from Corniel’s percussion. It contains one of the flautist’s best-developed solos.” ~Sam Norris, London Jazz News, January 2020
Adventurous – London Jazz News
“O’Connell returns to the Rhodes for his and Brachfeld’s original Triste e Solitaria, a gorgeous tune very much in the style of Jobim but with a slightly more adventurous harmonic approach, and probably the most successful track on the album.” ~Sam Norris, London Jazz News, January 2020
Beautifully Rich, Deep Sound – London Jazz News
“Never Let Me Go, intended as a tribute to the late trumpeter Roy Hargrove. Brachfeld opts for the larger alto flute here, demonstrating a beautifully rich, deep sound which is complemented perfectly by some colourful voicings from O’Connell.” ~Sam Norris, London Jazz News, January 2020
Earthy Flute – London Jazz News
“…Jobim’s Double Rainbow…Underpinned by a driving jazz waltz feel from Harvie S and Tiemann, the head sees Brachfeld’s earthy flute tone blend effortlessly with O’Connell’s Rhodes, reminiscent of Joe Farrell and Chick Corea on the latter’s seminal album Light as a Feather. The asymmetric form poses no problems for Brachfeld, who takes a fluent, athletic solo…” ~Sam Norris, London Jazz News, January 2020
Art and Heart – Midwest Record

“…all the right moves are in all the right places as art and heart mix it up
here in fine form…”

~Midwest Record, December 2019
Pour the Flute Juice – Midwest Record
“A member of the sorority of women that know how to pour the flute juice with a free hand that ultimately wind up letting Brazil shine on them…”
~Midwest Record, December 2019
Always Ending in Fruition – James Rozzi
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
Manifestation of Professionalism – James Rozzi
Straight ahead and swinging, courtesy of bassist Harvie S and drummer Jason Tiemann, this quartet is the manifestation of professionalism. ~James Rozzi, jazziz.com, Fall 2018
Flawless Improvisations – Wil Sostre
“If not now, when? ends with Andrea flawless improvisations and powerful interpretation by the quartet in the a gorgeous rendition of the classic Amazing Grace.” ~Wil Sostre, jnbreview.blogspot.com, August 2018
Recording Full of Musical Gems – Wil Sostre
“In a recording full of musical gems, Anima Mea is one of the brightest. Anima Mea feels more personal and instrospective, and the beauty of Andrea’s tone can be appreciated more on this piece.” ~Wil Sostre, jnbreview.blogspot.com, August 2018
One of Those Rare Jazz Musicians – Wil Sostre
“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.” ~Wil Sostre, jnbreview.blogspot.com, August 2018
Brilliant Virtuosity – Mike West
“…(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
Brilliant Composer – Arnaldo Desouteiro
“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
Impressive Modern Beauty – George W. Harris
“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
Strength to Rival Any Tenor Saxophonist
“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
Equally weighty…Latin music and jazz
“Today, Andrea Brachfeld is an artist with a discography that is equally weighty in both the worlds of Latin music and jazz.” ~Jessica Valiente, July 2018, Flute Journal
A More Fulfilling Path – Aaron Cohen
“Andrea Brachfeld, a veteran jazz flutist with impeccable technique, chooses a more fulfilling path than mere virtuosity on her new disc. If Not Now, When? focuses just as much on her generosity as a bandleader and compositional skills.” ~Aaron Cohen, August 2018, DownBeat
If Not Now, When? KZSU Review

Brachfeld delivers a set of music that’s pure heart and fire. She reminds us of the flute’s might and majesty in a straight-ahead realms. This band finds a way to leverage different strengths on each track, but it also taps into a universal mentality across the entire date. There’s an incredibly pliant simpatico driving this music ever higher and deeper.

~ Tom McCarter, KZSU 90.1fm Stanford, May, 2018
Destined to Gain Greater Attention – Ken Dryden
“With this rewarding release, Andrea Brachfeld has made a strong statement as a flutist, bandleader, collaborator and composer, so she is destined to gain greater attention in the near future.” ~Ken Dryden, May 2018, New York City Jazz Record
Insight: Four Beings In Tune with One Another
“This band finds a way to leverage different strengths on each track, but it also taps into a universal mentality across the entire date. There’s an incredibly pliant simpatico driving this music ever higher and deeper. If Not Now, When? is a beautiful example of four beings in tune with one another and fully aware of their own resources and recesses.” ~Dan Bilawsky, May 2018, allaboutjazz.com
Pure Heart and Fire
“Joined by longtime musical associate and sounding board Bill O’Connell on piano, the esteemed Harvie S on bass, and percussive pillar Jason Tiemann on drums, Brachfeld delivers a set of music that’s pure heart and fire.” ~Dan Bilawsky, May 2018, allaboutjazz.com
Blowing Strength and Clarity
“Brachfeld’s style of playing has blowing strength (as with a shakuhashi) and clarity.” ~Dr. Debra Jan Bibel, May 2018, amazon.com
Highly Esteemed – Tomas Peña
“Brachfeld is highly esteemed as a flutist, bandleader, and composer, and this new recording is sure to find a warm welcome at jazz radio as well as with the jazz press.” ~Tomas Peña, Editor-in-Chief, May 2018, Jazzdelapena
Important Voices – Raul da Gama
“Andrea Brachfeld truly is one of the most important voices in the history of the contemporary flute.” ~Raul da Gama, 2018, latinjazznet.com
Genius – Raul da Gama
“All of the music actually announces Miss Brachfeld’s genius in a quiet yet uncompromising manner. And most of these songs are also refreshing in their audacity and confidence. And all of these pieces on this striking recording show the flutist to be firing on all cylinders as she goes out of her way to emphasize the freshness and cheekiness of her voice.” ~Raul da Gama, May 2018, latinjazznet.com
Pianissimo Pyrotechnics – Raul da Gama
“Anima Mea is a delight, with the right kind of pianissimo pyrotechnics as her fingers certainly do the talking in a masterly fashion.” ~Raul da Gama, May 2018, latinjazznet.com
Absolute Assurance – Raul da Gama
“The Silence is vividly characterized, with the flutist running the gamut between dark turbulence and pastoral tranquility with absolute assurance. She does not waste time finding novel ways to dazzle – she just lets the music speak through her flute, often exercising unusual restraint where other musicians might take showy liberties.” ~Raul da Gama, May 2018, latinjazznet.com
Unique Showpiece – Raul da Gama
“Every work on the disc is a unique showpiece and Miss Brachfeld plays each with exceptionally clear articulation in the flashes of intense virtuosity, as well as elegance and lyricism.” ~Raul da Gama, May 2018, latinjazznet.com
Downbeat’s Bobby Reed on “If Not Now, When?”
“As evidenced on If Not Now, When?, Brachfeld’s playing has a muscular flair and bite. She’s not here merely to make “pretty” flute music; she’s here to dig deep… In one portion of “Anima Mea,” Brachfeld plays at a slower tempo than her bandmates, building a dramatic arc of musical tension that is resolved in brilliant fashion. This band’s balance of taut cohesion and adventurous improvisation is mighty impressive… For Brachfeld, a beautiful timbre is not enough; a pleasant tone must be in service of an engaging instrumental narrative. A great example is “Deeply I Live,” which combines Brachfeld’s lovely, breathy lines with an intricate flurry of boppish fury, as well as fine solos from bassist Harvie S and drummer Jason Tiemann—and, most importantly, compositional acumen.” ~Bobby Reed, May 2018, downbeat.com
Guido Crosetti Reviews “If Not Now, When?”
…she surrounds herself with solid hitters that know the drill but still know how to leave room for the unexpected. Wonderful killer stuff by some jazzbos on a tear that refuses to take no for an answer. Real stuff for real jazzbos throughout. ~Guido Crosetti, May 2018, midwestrecord.com
Don Jay Smith Quote

“I highly recommend this very listenable CD [Lotus Blossom] and hope everyone enjoys it as much as I do.”

– Don Jay Smith, March 2016

“You are to be commended for playing very clean unusual melodies with palatable tone.” (Evolution) Hubert Laws 2022

“Andrea Brachfeld, another fine new album from you! Great Quartet. Jason Tiemann is awesome on the tracks.” Bradley Stone June 2022

“Together they (Bill O’ Connell and Andrea Brachfeld) interpret several familiar tunes and Brachfeld originals, each distinguished by the flutist’s rich, flowing lines and bold improvisational instincts.” – Bill Milkowski, Downbeat Magazine, April 2016, 4 STARS

“… Her marvelous tone and technique are astonishing… She is definitely among those who deserves recognition not only among her peers, but the public in general.” – Hubert Laws

“…With all due respect she plays her buns off; one of the first ladies to disprove the concept that only men can deal with the real deal…” – Dave Valentín

“…To date, this (Lady of the Island) may be the clearest representation of Andrea’s expression through her music…she is a hard bopper at heart…” – Wycliffe Gordon

“The flutist Andrea Brachfeld is one of the most magnificent flutists playing today. Ms. Brachfeld is like a rare bird soaring in a rarified realm. If you think her music is memorable, it is because her very heart sings… It is impossible to imagine there are songs (Lotus Blossom) played with as much feeling and such virtuosity…” – Raul da Gama, www.jazzdagama.com, December 2015

“I hear technical control as well as inspiration, enthusiasm and risk taking. Not only does Andrea’s playing stand out, but all of the musicians do.” – Eric de Rooij, The Dutch Flute Society in The Netherlands, FLUIT, January 2016

“This past September, Andrea Brachfeld won her first Hot House Jazz Award as “Flutist of the Year” in Manhattan. When you listen to her new album Lotus Blossom (Jazzheads), out since October 13, it’ll make complete sense…

“Winning a music award isn’t new to Brachfeld…Now, it’s her time.” – Carol Banks Weber, AXS Contributor

“…this album is a beautiful collaboration of extraordinary jazz musicians. (Andrea) Her sound, technique, pitch and creativity all sound effortless, a tribute to her virtuosity. Congratulations on a terrific new CD.”

–The Flute View

“Andrea Brachfeld is a flutist equally comfortable playing Latin jazz or straight-ahead swing/bop/postbop styles; her tone is consistently warm and woody, her phrasing lithe, her time impeccable. And she possesses that essential but rare trait: the ability to express herself deeply without taxing the patience of the listener”.

–Rick Anderson, CD Hotlist

“…there’s no question that Andrea Brachfeld is a superb player and has chosen stellar musicians on this session…”

–George Fendel, Jazzscene

“Brachfeld is at the top of her game. She’s an in-demand jazz musician. Brachfeld this month released her sixth CD, “Lotus Blossom,” an improvisational jazz tour de force.”

– Ken Thorbourne , October 27, 2015. The Jersey Journal

“Andrea Brachfield is a revelation! She is excellent and has actually the “Chops” to play credible jazz flute! This would have been possible by her great backing trio of Billy O’Connell, Winard Harper, and Rufus Reid. Will use her music for months to come.” – Peter Kuller, Jazz Presenter Radio Adelaide, JPL “Jazz from Down Under”

“There is something magical about the sound of the flute no matter how well it is played; and when it is played as masterfully as Andrea Brachfeld plays it on her album Lady of the Island it is not only magical but mystical as well…

“…Of course the session belongs to Andrea Brachfeld, who is as sensational and breathtaking as a master flutist can be, making a record as memorable as one can ever be…

– Raul da Gama latinjazznet.com

…Duke Ellington’s masterful “I Got It Bad” is the set’s first ballad, a duet performed exquisitely by Brachfeld on alto flute with O’Connell, together turning in one of the album’s clear highlights…

…The selection of music and the personnel listing alone is enticement enough to sample the treasures found on this island…

– Edward Blanco, allaboutjazz.com

“Lady of the Island …is her first recording as leader for a straight ahead jazz session, and from the evidence here, it will likely not be her last. “

“…I will admit that I am not a big flute fan, but Brachfeld has a lovely tone, and a creative feel for improvisation that won me over for this recording. The shifting moods of this album make it fun to hear, and always fresh.

– Joseph Lang, Jersey Jazz

“Jazz flute aficionados should not overlook this CD, for Andrea Brachfeld is currently one of the best players of jazz on the instrument…

…”Little Girl’s Song,” written by Brachfeld years ago for her now grown-up daughter, is a lyrical gem that has the welcoming character of a tried and true standard…

…the soothing ebb and flow and rich, full sound of Brachfeld…

… The other seven tracks show how equally comfortable and productive she can be in a “pure” jazz context.”

– Scott Albin, Contributing writer for JazzTimes and jazz.com JazzTimes

…Brachfeld has established an admirable legacy not only in jazz, but in many other genres…”

“Happily, Brachfeld also excels as a bandleader, as Lady Of The Island underscores in abundance…”
“Indeed, it is a combination of both the interpretive skills of the assembled players and Brachfeld’s acumen as both leader and visionary that in part enables all concerned to change moods with seeming effortlessness from track to track…”
“…there is much herein to appease the highly discerning hard bop contingent…at hand is a collection rife with wit, originality, technique, diversity and that rarest of qualities, accessibility. Brachfeld has kept her perspective In The Center, and the aesthetic dividends have proven to be far reaching in every direction…”

– Michael McDowell, Editor/Publisher Blitz Magazine

“… You play so beautifully and with such great improv and authority. You have a beautiful sound and must have been classically trained. Hubert’s influence is there too.”

– Tom Schnabel, Producer, KCRW / NPR

“Brachfeld is an incredibly skilled jazz player, her tone resonates and her lines pour out and hang in mid-air… Sample the title track and see how long it takes before you download this gem.”

– Marc Meyer, www.JazzWax.com

“…she stakes her claim as one of the top jazz flutists around today…
…Lady of the Island, available from www.zohomusic.com, is Andrea Brachfeld’s definitive recording thus far.”

– Scott Yanow, Waxing Poetic Reviews. L.A. Jazz Scene

“Flute players are a dime a dozen but artists that play flute are rare…”
“…The latest Zoho release from Andrea Brachfeld certainly places her at the very top of the list when it comes to memorable artistry…”
“… Brachfeld draws a slightly more hard bop line in the sand then one would expect and delivers the goods. The real deal…”
“…Andrea Brachfeld turns in an impressive performance along with her 4tet and special guests for a solid and incredibly entertaining release.”

– Brent Black, www.criticaljazz.com

“…For her fifth leader date, and first on the Zoho label, Brachfeld unleashes brazen chops and beauty with heart and flute aflutter…”
“…This marks the dawn of a new day for the fabulous flute of Andrea Brachfeld and those willing to open their ears to it.”

– DAN BILAWSKY, www.allaboutjazz.com

“…this is a solid release…”
“…Brachfeld’s own forays between measured lyricism and bop…”
“…Favorite cut? Four Corners. Knocks me on my ass, though Bebop Hanna is exceedingly memorable as well, as much for its humor and brash in your face sassiness as its chops.”

– Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange, Mark S. Tucker

“…she does demonstrate admirable swing and tonal flexibility, and her compositions display an impressive balance of accessibility and complexity…”
“…she’s a very skillful and idiomatic player and her band is exceptional.”

– Rick Anderson, www.cdhotlist.com

“Brachfeld plays passionate hard-driving be bop with the best of them, and in softer moments her tone is magic…”
“…Like I said, if Lady of the Island is any indication of what Andrea Brachfeld can do, as well as what she may be doing in the future, somebody better take another look at that list of 100 greatest flautists and give some serious thought to its revision.”

– Jack Goodstein, blogcritics.org

“Brachfeld can write as well. Her brisk opener, “Bebop Hanna,” is a flag-waver, and “Dead Ahead” is taken at a tempo not for the faint of heart…”
“…Brachfeld is anything but the stereotypical “lady flute player.” So don’t expect seamless New Age sounds. Brachfeld has surrounded herself with some steaming colleagues, and she definitely fits right in!”

– George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon

“How would you like to sit a few feet from one of the greatest masters of the jazz flute in the world, be able to watch her every move, and be able to hang with the band between sets?”

“…Andrea ranks with the absolute top handful of jazz flautists in the entire world (or universe) with blazing technique, a deep love for the Latin tinge, a soulful flute sound that is a cross between Charlie Parker, Roland Kirk and the great monsters of the classical instrument.”

– The Jazz Spy, Kenneth L. Vermes. JazzWest.com

“Lotus Blossom ,a collection of ten selections that illustrate why flautist ANDREA BRACHFELD has garnered continuous acclaim for her playing. Here she is joined by pianist Bill O’Connell, bassist Rufus Reed and drummer Winard Harper for a session that is resplendent with joy and creativity.”
“… Brachfeld’s fluency and imagination as a player is exceptional.Equally impressive are her composing credentials that are illustrated by the four fine originals included on the program.”

– Jazzwise Magazine (Jon Newey)

“… Her marvelous tone and technique are astonishing… She is definitely among those who deserves recognition not only among her peers, but the public in general.” – Hubert Laws

“…(you) sound beautiful…good to hear you playing.” – Frank Wess

“…With all due respect she plays her buns off; one of the first ladies to disprove the concept that only men can deal with the real deal…” – Dave Valentín

“…one of the premier flutists in Latin Jazz…” – Peter Watrous, descarga.com

“…Brachfeld demonstrates commanding technique…she knows exactly what to use when and where the mark of a sensitive, mature artist and improviser…”

– Clive Griffin, Jazz Improv NY

“Eclecticism thy name is Andrea Brachfeld. Her Latin Jazz chops are evinced from just a glance at the personnel listing…Mike Longo…Paul West… Brian Lynch.”

– Arnold Jay Smith, Jazz Journalist

“… Andrea Brachfeld shows why she is considered one of the premier Jazz flutists in the world…”

– Sonia Goldstein, Jazzreview.com

“Thousands the world over play the flute, and just a few play it well. Andrea Brachfeld is one of those…”

– Max Salazar, writer, Latin Beat

“The gifted flutist Andrea Brachfeld…is destined to be a great force on her chosen instrument…the leader’s (Andrea) tremendous imagination…is on the level with Hubert Laws’ best efforts.”

– James D. Armstrong Jr., jazznow.com

“Andrea Brachfeld can hold her own with other jazz flutists and should be ranked right there with them.”

– Denai Burbank, jazzreviews.com

“…the main star throughout is Andrea Brachfeld, whose fluent and versatile flute is consistenly impressive. She deserves to be much better known.”

– Scott Yanow, writer, LA JAZZ SCENE

“Andrea is unequivocally the First Lady of Latin Flute.”

– Bobby Ramirez, Latin Jazz Club

“The extraordinary flutist/composer/arranger/bandleader Andrea Brachfeld has been at the forefront of New York City’s Latin Jazz movement for some time now…The beautiful brunette and powerful flutist unleashes rousing high energy solos…”

– Rudy Mangual, Publisher, Editor- in- Chief, Latin Beat Magazine

“… you probably have the most beautiful tone on the instrument that I have heard in a long time…”

– Bobby Sanabria, master drummer, percussionist, Grammy Award winner

“I have often said about Dave Valentín, that his flute playing takes me on a magic carpet ride. Now I can say the same of your playing as well. Just keep playing that beautiful music; that’s all you have to do.”

– Awilda Rivera, Host, Latin Jazz Cruise WBGO

“Andrea’s flute playing virtuosity is so uncanny and awe- inspiring that it has prompted me to refer to her as the Chucho Valdez of the flute… I’ve heard Jane Bunnett, Pacheco, Fajardo, Connie Grossman, Dave Valentín, Eddie Zervigon, …Richard Egues, …Nestor Torres. You got them all beat.”

– Richard Blondett, oasissalsero.com

“…I was especially impressed by the flute solos of Andrea Brachfeld. She made the changes nicely on Dorham’s version of Kern’s “All the Things You Are,” a tune with tricky key changes. She had the whole basis of technique and sound and played like she knew musicians use these things to express other things, like humor, emotion, and beauty. Her solos sounded like the beginning of very interesting stories and when she took two choruses, she sounded like she could easily have done 10 more and not run out of ideas.”

– Victor Stein, The Village Voice

“Andrea Brachfeld’s flute swung with a vigorously dark, gutty quality.”

– John S. Wilson, NY Times

“…I was only previously familiar with three (musicians) , two of whom were scheduled and one who sat in later and turned the place upside down. This was Andrea Brachfeld, a flutist who deserves special mention…because she is one of the finest jazz flutists around…”

– Susan Mannheimer, Downbeat

“…Ms. Brachfeld plays the flute as though her life depended on it and seeing student become pro is beautiful like her music.”

– Village Voice

“Andrea…you especially, as always, sound breathtaking. Nice work!!!”

– Johnny “Speedy” Gonzalez, INTERNATIONAL Latin DJs Unlimited

“Whether it be jazz – Latin or mainstream – or Salsa and Yoruban chants, she sparkles and swings!”

“You’re a world class musician whose music gets better as you grow…”

– David Wasserman, Latin Cool Records

“An experienced veteran and hidden gem within New York’s active Latin Jazz scene…”

– Chip Boaz, The Latin Jazz Corner

“…one thing I know for sure is that her passion shines through with each and every one of her releases…”
“…Andrea Brachfeld has captured the true essence of what Afro Cuban music is all about…”

– Maria von Dickersohn, former veteran New York DJ, CD101.9 and Sirius Satellite Radio

“…I was amazed at the virtuosity of the playing…”

– Andy Kaufman, Birdland, NYC

“…Andrea shows us her (Latin) flavor, abilities, and mature music. Her vigorous notes and brilliant improvisations exude the happiness which can only be associated with a musical heaven.”

– Norberto Rivera, WIPR Radio 940 AM, Puerto Rico

“It’s Andrea in the kitchen and at the top of her game, adding her personal spices to the mix with faultless technique and melodious creativity.”

– Jesse Varela, writer, Latin Beat Magazine

“…Andrea Brachfeld is back, and attractive as ever. And most important she is also bringing those glorious flute sounds with her… one of the best flutists in Afro Cuban music…”

– George Rivera, Salsaweb.com

“…She sure digs her Latin grooves. Stylistically, one hears traces of Hubert Laws, Dave Valentín, and Joe Farrell. The big difference is her tone: there is an energetic yearning that I can only describe as angelic.”