Andrea Brachfeld is currently one of the best players of jazz on the instrument.
—Scott Albin, JazzTimes
Welcome to Andrea Brachfeld’s latest single project, Walking the Bar featuring the members of her band, Insight, with Bill O'Connell on piano, Harvie S on bass, and Jason Tiemann on the drums.
This single was recorded in January of 2024 at Trading 8’s studio in Paramus, New Jersey. The story behind the creation of this composition is described by Andrea:
I was at a bar and started to hear some music in my head. When I got home I wrote it down and realized that it was a blues with a twist! Then I couldn’t figure out a name for it so I just let it go for a while. Soon after that I was watching a live stream of George Coleman, the great jazz tenor saxophonist, at the Keystone Korner in Baltimore. He was talking about how back in the day musicians used to walk on the bar and play. Then it hit me! Walking the Bar. I had my name for the song! As I started to feel the name, I realized that the melody really fit the name of the song. The notes ascended as if someone was walking. It’s really amazing how things just fall into place when you’re not looking or trying to make them happen! Perfect title!
Andrea Brachfeld and Insight was formed in 2017 with Andrea Brachfeld on flutes, vocals, spoken word, Bill O’Connell on piano, Harvie S on bass, and Jason Tiemann on the drums/percussion. Initially, Bill and I spoke about putting a band together and I suggested Harvie, then Harvie suggested Jason. I would call the music straight ahead jazz with a tinge of world influences and a sense of free music combined with it. For me it is important as a woman leader, to play with musicians who are stable, creative, respectful, and are great listeners. They all fit the bill. Although I am the leader of this group, I think it is fair to say that each member feels they can voice their opinions about the music as I compose it and bring it to our rehearsals. This is very helpful for me as they each come to the band with an extensive amount of musical experiences. This also provides an atmosphere of camaraderie and respect for each other. And jazz is, as we all know, a spontaneous compositional music, so having the right musicians, helps the process along to explore different avenues we may or may not have even thought of reaching. We are all very dedicated to the sound and music of this group and it has been said that people can hear that. It is very intentional.
The music from the first record we recorded in 2017, was written after I had experienced a very deep spiritual emotional experience. I believe the music reflected that experience. So it was very important for me to have the right musicians around me. In jazz, you just have to choose the musicians who you know will play what you hear without really telling them. As we all know, although the composition is written down, and there are concepts that are discussed, the actual playing is virtually left up to the individual musician. Listening to each other, as the music spontaneously develops, creates a group sound which is a beautiful creation that can’t be controlled nor would I want to control it! The band’s sound is evolving as the music is evolving.
Blues Alley
Iridium
Harford Community College, Bel Air, MD
An Die Musik Live
Smalls Jazz Club
Clement's Place
Takoma Station
“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., Reviewer
“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 Valentin
This single was recorded in January of 2024 at Trading 8’s studio in Paramus, New Jersey. The story behind the creation of this composition is described by Andrea:
I was at a bar and started to hear some music in my head. When I got home I wrote it down and realized that it was a blues with a twist! Then I couldn’t figure out a name for it so I just let it go for a while. Soon after that I was watching a live stream of George Coleman, the great jazz tenor saxophonist, at the Keystone Korner in Baltimore. He was talking about how back in the day musicians used to walk on the bar and play. Then it hit me! Walking the Bar. I had my name for the song! As I started to feel the name, I realized that the melody really fit the name of the song. The notes ascended as if someone was walking. It’s really amazing how things just fall into place when you’re not looking or trying to make them happen! Perfect title!
Andrea Brachfeld and Insight was formed in 2017 with Andrea Brachfeld on flutes, vocals, spoken word, Bill O’Connell on piano, Harvie S on bass, and Jason Tiemann on the drums/percussion. Initially, Bill and I spoke about putting a band together and I suggested Harvie, then Harvie suggested Jason. I would call the music straight ahead jazz with a tinge of world influences and a sense of free music combined with it. For me it is important as a woman leader, to play with musicians who are stable, creative, respectful, and are great listeners. They all fit the bill. Although I am the leader of this group, I think it is fair to say that each member feels they can voice their opinions about the music as I compose it and bring it to our rehearsals. This is very helpful for me as they each come to the band with an extensive amount of musical experiences. This also provides an atmosphere of camaraderie and respect for each other. And jazz is, as we all know, a spontaneous compositional music, so having the right musicians, helps the process along to explore different avenues we may or may not have even thought of reaching. We are all very dedicated to the sound and music of this group and it has been said that people can hear that. It is very intentional.
The music from the first record we recorded in 2017, was written after I had experienced a very deep spiritual emotional experience. I believe the music reflected that experience. So it was very important for me to have the right musicians around me. In jazz, you just have to choose the musicians who you know will play what you hear without really telling them. As we all know, although the composition is written down, and there are concepts that are discussed, the actual playing is virtually left up to the individual musician. Listening to each other, as the music spontaneously develops, creates a group sound which is a beautiful creation that can’t be controlled nor would I want to control it! The band’s sound is evolving as the music is evolving.
Tour Info
March 31, 2025, 7:00pm
Andrea Brachfeld and FriendsBlues Alley
April 26, 2025, 8:30pm
Santi Debriano Arkestra BembeIridium
May 2, 2025, 8:00pm
Andrea Brachfeld and InsightHarford Community College, Bel Air, MD
May 3, 2025, 7:00pm
Andrea Brachfeld and InsightAn Die Musik Live
June 16-17, 2025, 8:30pm
Santi Debriano Arkestra BembeSmalls Jazz Club
June 05, 2025, 7:00pm
Andrea Brachfeld and InsightClement's Place
June 28, 2025, 7:00pm
Andrea Brachfeld and FriendsTakoma Station
Praise
“Her marvelous tone and technique are astonishing… She is definitely among those who deserve recognition not only among her peers but the public in general.” —Hubert Laws“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., Reviewer
“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 Valentin
For more information contact Scott Thompson Public Relations.
