Andrea Brachfeld
First Lady of Latin Flute
by Bobby Ramirez

INTERVIEW:

Tell us about your early evolution as a musician in Latin music?
I began playing Charanga music in 1973 with Típica New York, the violinist Mike Perez's band. Felix Wilkins was his flute player so he had two flute players. Felix showed me the ropes. After that I played with the Benito Sextet, then with Charanga '76.

In retrospect, having lived and performed in Latin New York during the 70s and today, name one or two things that you enjoyed back then that is/are not around today?
Back in the 70's there was music everywhere. You could go to a club and hear 2 or 3 different bands a night. Everyone was working and the ambiance was phenomenal. At that time, one could make a living playing music much easier than today.

Describe one of your most memorable performance during the 70s?
I guess one of the most memorable experiences was playing with Charanga '76 in a gigantic
stadium in Santo Domingo. There must have been 4-5 thousand people and when I finished playing I felt like the Pied Piper because I was followed by all the children who had gone to the concert.

You've recorded in multiple music platforms--Latin Jazz and the traditional Latin dance style--more specifically charanga. Can you offer some perspective on how you've developed your style?
I have developed and continue to develop my style by practicing the typical flute exercises, tone exercises, scales etc. I also listen to Richard Egues and Fajardo a lot. I also listen to jazz piano players to increase my musical vocabulary.

If I where to say to you "salsa" is dead, what would you say in response to that comment? Explain?
I don't agree with the term salsa firstly. There are many facets to Afro-Caribbean Music which cannot be classified into one term. At this point in the market, depending upon where you are, there is a lot of different kinds of tropical music being performed and played. Europe and Japan love Caribbean music.

Name one or two specific work ethics that define your inner character as a musician?
I am a very hard worker. I try to practice at least 3-4 times a week. Each practice session lasts about 3-4 hours. I always start with long tones, then my scales. The rest of the time I focus on different things depending upon whether I have a jazz, Latin jazz, or Charanga gig coming up.

To my knowledge, your musical endeavors in Latin music have enabled you to become the first woman instrumentalist to reach noteworthy status on the flute within a genre which is dominated by men. Who where your early female musician/instrumentalist that inspired you to press on with your musical goals?
I went to high school with a woman named Lisa who played the flute. She inspired me.

Tell us about your latest recording "Son Charanga?"
Back With Sweet Passion was recorded with a specific concept in mind. I wanted to play traditional compositions which I always loved but adding a jazz flavor to them. I also
wanted to try my hand at composing and arranging. I was very fortunate to have had some of the best in the field to help and support me in this project.

What inspired you to record some of these old standards like "Almendra", Tres Lindas Cubanas", and others?
As I said before, these are my favorite standards.

You've obviously released a CD that can be considered "popular" Latin music catering to the salsa dancer. However, while the music swings, your CD like many others may not be getting the radio airplay on popular Latin music stations which cater to the masses only to be confined to Latin music specialty radio shows mainly found within listener supported community radio. Dealing with these odds, what do you hope to achieve with this new CD? I would hope to reach the widest audience possible.

Lately, as you continue your music career, what are some things that are really important to you besides music; where do you find your musical inspiration?
Those people who are closest to me are more important to me than my music. My music is me so I am constantly discovering and nurturing myself. My musical inspiration comes from a strong sense of myself as a person and taking care of my body, mind , and soul so that the power of the universal creative spirit can pass through me to reach my audience.

What is the single most important thing that you want your fans to "get" from your music? Love.

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First Lady of Latin Flute