Beyond Standards

About “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

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.

Bruce Polin, descarga.com

…Expertly done, courtesy of rocking percussionists and some heavyweight players. This is slick, groove-laden music…but always wins with its effusiveness. Ms. Brachfeld’s playing is charismatic, and she sounds particularily good when blasting through unisons with Turre and the wonderful, sadly missed Ruiz on Coltrane’s “Transition” and the barnstorming “E.S.P.” Overall this is an interesting take on repertoire and an expertly delivered Latin Jazz disc.

Jason Bivins, Cadence Magazine

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.

Zan Stewart, Star Ledger