Andrea Brachfeld & Phoenix Rising Jazz

Here’s a nice project of modern Latin jazz and stuff, by one of the premier flutists in Latin jazz. She’s not fooling, here, either, working her way through some difficult changes on her first tune, "Q." She’s backed by a strong group, included Robert Quaranta, Elio Villafranca and Mike Longo on pianos, Andy Eulau and Paul West on basses, and Kim Plainfield and Diego Lopez on drums — Chembo Corniel’s on percussion, and the trumpeter Brian Lynch appears on one tune. The music’s modern and yet pleasant at the same time, and Brachfeld takes her band through some bossa nova and other rhythms. It’s perfectly radio ready Latin jazz, but it’s smart too, something that will entertain musicians as well. Highly Recommended. Peter Watrous, descarga.com, June 2008 - Descarga.com

Once more, Andrea Brachfeld has released a dazzling new production, "Into the World: A Musical Offering," an effort that showcases her brilliant versatility. Whether it be jazz – Latin or mainstream – or Salsa and Yoruban chants, she sparkles and swings! - Vicki Sola, Director and Producer of “Que Viva La Musica.” WFDU, Latin Beat columnist, June 2008

Thousands the world over play the flute, and just a few play it well. Andrea Brachfeld is one of those...The last tune, a fiery descarga is a salute to the creator of the mambo, Israel Cachao Lopez. Max Salazar, Latin Beat columnist, June 2008 - Latin Beat Magazine

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,after years of developing her own voice. The beautiful brunette and powerful flutist unleashes rousing highenergy solos and intriguing melody lines in this new production. Surrounded by good friends and excellent players such as pianists Robert Quaranta, Elio Villafranca, and Mike Longo, bassists Andy Eulau and Paul West, trap drummers Kim PLainfield and Diego López, and percussionist Wilson, “Chembo “ Corniel, Brachfeld showcases a dozen scores, including nine originals. The selections range from the North American jazz-fusion sounds of Q and Karawak Dreams, to the bright and colorful rhythms of the Caribbean islands documented unconditionally on the selections Mambo Yo, Cha Cha Blue, and Descarga del Mundo. The exotic beaches of Brazil (where the rhythms of samba and bossa are a way of life) served as inspiration for the compositions Voces Da Rua and Desperado. Beautiful vocal chants performed by Jesse Asher, Claudette Sierra and Flor Urritia- in alliance with Brachfeld (on Kalimba and flute) and Chembo Corniel ( on batá)- bring the serenity of a waltz to an African folk song in the selection Passing Friends. Other invited musicians include Bill O’ Connell (string arrangements) on the selection Danzón for Richard. penned by Brachfeld in honor of one of her mentors (Cuban flutist Richard Egües, who passed away in 2006) and trumpeter Brain Lynch, featured on the track Descarga del Mundo. Rudy Mangual, Publisher, Editor- in- Chief Latin Beat Magazine, July 2008 - Latin Beat Editor -in- Chief

An experienced veteran and hidden gem within New York’s active Latin Jazz scene, flautist Andrea Brachfeld delivers a strong set of AfroCuban and Brazilian jazz on Into the World-A Musical Offering, showing both an informed adherence to tradition and an experimental side... Brachfeld reveals the rich artistic background that has long inspired New York listeners on Into the World-A Musical Offering. Brachfeld’s experience in the Latin music world fuels each track, maintaining a constant connection to traditional aesthetics. Her knowledge of Afro-Cuban and Brazilian genres becomes apparent through firm structures and traditional rhythmic phrases integrated into solos. At the same time, Brachfeld experiments with larger compositional ideas, inspired by her own creative foundation. ..She works with a skilled group of musicians that support her ideas, share her stylistic aesthetics, and add their creative artistry into the mix. Their professional performances bring her ideas to life and contribute a fine polish to the overall sound. The musicians and listeners on New York’s Latin music scene should feel fortunate to have Brachfeld as an active member of their community; after hearing Into the World-A Musical Offering, the rest of the world will feel lucky to get a good glimpse of New York’s hidden gem. Chip Boaz The Latin Jazz Corner 7/24/08 - The Latin Jazz Corner

...both of them (Dave Valentin) (Andrea) received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Latin Jazz USA at a New York concert in October 2006. Andrea Brachfeld is less well-known but deserves wider recognition...Brachfeld works through a very interesting program of standards by Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, and others, giving each a Latin treatment that retains the jazz elements in a balance that many Latin Jazz artists fail to achieve.Her flute work is excellent throughout, fleet, full-toned, full of surprising twists and turns...
Peter Westbrook fluteinjazz.com - National Flute Association Publication

Editor's Pick: CD Beyond Standards
Beautiful collaborative effort by two of our favorite musicians: percussionist Chembo Corniel and flautist Andrea Brachfeld. This is also perhaps the last session pianist Hilton Ruiz participated in. Highly Recommended. (BP, 2006-07-19) - Bruce Polin

Review of CD- Beyond Standards

Kendall Park flutist Brachfeld and her N.Y.C. conga-playing partner Corniel address eight staples of the jazz repertoire and two originals, all with some kind of Latin kick. Their ace colleagues include the late Teaneck piano monster Hilton Ruiz (one of his last recordings), Montclair trombone stalwart Steve Turre, and noted Latin drummer Vince Cherico. Coltrane's "Transition" runs from Ruiz's dancing lines and Brachfeld's crisp statements to a percussion barrage centered on Corniel. On George Shearing's boppish "Conception," Brachfeld, Ruiz and Turre deliver fluid, meaty statements. Strayhorn's "Chelsea Bridge" is a stellar bolero, with Turre's muted horn and Sam Bardfeld's violin adding flavor. Ellington's evocative "African Flower" and Eddie Harris' "Freedom Jazz Dance" showcase Brachfeld's breathy sound and solid array of improvisational thoughts.

May 2006

- Zan Stewart

Review of CD- Beyond Standards

…Ms. Brachfeld- a fine flutist!- and her percussionist co-leader Wilson, “Chembo “ Corniel have chosen some strong material to do here. …They feature a killing rhythm team with an amazing bassist named Carlo de Rosa…They take Trane’s “Transition” and feature some fine piano by Hilton Ruiz and strong trombone by Steve Turre and delicious flute by Andrea. ..the layers of rhythm are completely magical throughout…”Beyond Standards” is a most appropriate name for the best Latin Jazz disc I’ve heard in a long while.

BLC
Downtown Music Gallery
Dec. 2006
- BLC

Review of CD Beyond Standards

…Their renditions bare their unique stamp; high on musicality and swing, kept under reins by their gentle Latin styles. These two leaders share a musical sensibility and create magnificent performances of wonderful arrangements. The high musicianship is shared by a mature and masterful band. Beyond Standards certainly takes you exactly where its title promises. These familiar tunes are each given special treatment, with interesting and unusual arrangements. Brachfeld and Corniel are talented musicians who share the leading chores of this release as if they were one musician. Their unique identities compliment each other well. This companionship is only strengthened by the fabulous band. Great arrangements of great tunes, performed by a great band. There’s no way you can go wrong with Beyond Standards.


Dave Miele
Jazz Improv Magazine
September 2006

- Dave Miele