By Raul Da Gama, Latin Jazz Network Brazilian Whispers… How appropriate is that as the title for an album by Andrea Brachfeld. Not only does the instrument she plays – the flute – lend itself to the kind of meditative Brasilian(how the word is actually meant to be spelled) music but the music itself “speaks” … Read More
C. Michael Bailey, All About 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 … Read More
By George W. Harris, Jazz Weekly 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. Porinho-Jason Tiemann/dr and Chembo Corniel/perc with some boppy pieces like her own “Espaco Aberto” and a … Read More
By Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz 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 … Read More
By Musicalmemoir’s Blog MIKE BOND – “THE HONORABLE ONES” Bounce Castle Records Mike Bond, piano/composer/arranger; Ben Wolfe, bass; Anwar Marshall, drums; Josh Evans, trumpet; Steve Wilson, alto & soprano saxophones; SPECIAL GUESTS: Gene Shinozaki, beatbox vocals; Claudia Acuna & Maya Holliday, vocals. Titled, “Chapter 1: On Your Mark …” the first track is Avant Garde … Read More
By Matt Micucci, JAZZIZ Flutist Andrea Brachfeld pays tribute to legendary Brazilian composer Antonio Carlos Jobim on Brazilian Whispers, her ninth album as a leader, which was released on January 17 via Origin. The record finds her putting her spin on classic Jobim compositions, including this version of “Double Rainbow,” which features frequent collaborator Bill … Read More
By Phillip Booth, JazzTimes For Brazilian Whispers, veteran flutist Andrea Brachfeld dives deep into the Jobim book, turning out fresh interpretations of familiar gems. Best known for her affiliations with Slide Hampton, Wallace Roney, and Dave Valentin, Brachfeld is joined by her regular working band—longtime collaborator Bill O’Connell on piano and Rhodes, double bassist Harvie … Read More
Chris Spector, Midwest Record RICHIE GOODS & the Goods Project/My Left Hand Man: Mulgrew Miller was a valued jazzbo but not really a commodity to the masses, a state of affairs that dooms this tribute album to being made really indie or not at all. Helmed by Miller’s long time bass player, you’d think Goods … Read More
By Sam Norris, London Jazz News Flautist Andrea Brachfeld’s CV reads like a who’s who of Latin jazz. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, and a recipient of some of the genre’s most prestigious accolades (including the 2006 Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award), she has recorded and/or performed with such luminaries as Paquito … Read More
