by Matt Micucci
Jazz flutist Andrea Brachfeld has released her newest CD Lotus Blossom on the New York independent label Jazzheads. The record includes both original tunes plus classics by Herbie Mann, Billy Strayhorn and George Shearing. It features Bill O’Connell on piano, Rufus Reid on bass and Winard Harper on drums.
A celebration of the release of Brachfeld’s Lotus Blossom will be taking plae at Zeb’s Place in New York City on October 28 at 8:00 p.m., and the first 50 people who show up will receive a free gift bag from Jazzheads. On the night, the quartet will perform two sets and will be joined by Wycliffe Gordon on brass and Chembo Corniel on congas and percussion.
Andrea Brachfeld has been on a roll lately, performing regularly with many different ensembles, including recent performances at the International Havana Jazz Festival, the Mid-Atlantic Flute Fair and the Sounds of Summer Concert Series in Jersey City.
On Wednesday, September 16, she received the Hot House Jazz Award as Jazz Flutist of the Year at the Metropolitan Club. This award honors fan favorites in several categories, including specific instruments and various ensembles.
Brachfeld is no stranger to such accolades, having received the Louis Armstrong Award as a young student in 1974 and the “Chico O’Farrill Lifetime Achievement Award” from Latin Jazz USA, the “Pionero Award” for her contribution to Latin music and “Tribute to the Charanga Flutes” in 2012.
Throughout her career she has collaborated with such great musicians as Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Hilton Ruiz and many others and exhibited her musicianship through many different genres of music, including Jazz, Latin Jazz, Charanga, funk, Country Western, and devotional music.