New Release: Andrea Brachfeld “Lady of the Island” (Zoho) + CD Release@Trumpet’s Oct 18th

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ANDREA BRACHFELD, Bill O'Connell, BOB QUARANTA, Chembo Corniel, Jazz Promo Services, KIM PLAINFIELD, TODD BASHORE, Wallace Roney, Wycliffe Gordon, YASEK MANZANO, ZOHO Music

Andrea Brachfeld, LADY OF THE ISLAND

“Wish it – dream it – do it.” That’s what one of my many car bumper stickers say . Why am I talking about my bumper stickers? Well, because my dream has always been to play jazz, and this record is my dream come true! I just didn’t expect such amazing musicians to play on my record, but here they are, and here I am! Oftentimes life has many circuitous paths we follow in order to get to where we want to be. Our plan is not always God’s plan. I guess mine has been curvaceous as well.

My musical path began when I played my first jazz gig at age 16 at “All Nite Soul,” then found myself with the title of the first woman in the US to play in a Charanga band in 1976. After taking a semi-hiatus for about 15 years in 1998, I put together a Latin Jazz band and recorded and produced my first CD. Now I’ve come full circle to playing my first love, jazz. The hard work, persistence, determination, visualization techniques, the process of letting go, and then hoping that what I want, is my destiny, has paid off.

Bill O’Connell -][- TRIPLE PLAY PLUS THREE – [ZOHO Music, 2011] –

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Bill O'Connell, Composer, Dave Samuels, Dave Valentin, Paquito D'Rivera, Pianist, Richie Flores, ZOHO Music

Since hearing virtuoso Bill O’Connell perform with flutist Dave Valentin I’ve been a fan, he is arguably a diamond in the ruff and one of the best pianist in the Latin Jazz idiom. –Rob Young | Urban Flux Media

Bill O’Connell, TRIPLE PLAY PLUS THREE

Bill O’Connell -][- TRIPLE PLAY PLUS THREE –Mp3– [ZOHO Music, 2011] –

New York Latin Jazz pianist Bill O’Connell’s “Triple Play Plus Three” is an innovative spin on the traditional jazz trio format, featuring percussionist Richie Flores and a rotating cast of celebrity guests – all multiple GRAMMY winners – clarinetist Paquito D’Rivera, vibraphonist Dave Samuels, and flutist Dave Valentin.

“Triple Play Plus Three” presents eight lively, virtuosic O’Connell originals, plus two 20th century classics by Thelonius Monk (‘Round Midnight”) and Kurt Weill (“Speak Low”).

Thelonious Monk‘s signature composition ‘Round Midnight, has been totally re-harmonized by O’Connell. Paquito D‘Rivera‘s sweet-toned clarinet work is the perfect complement to O’Connell’s lush chords. -[Excerpt | ZOHO Music]-

::: SOURCE: ZOHO Music :::

Bill O’Connell -][- Rhapsody in Blue [Challenge Records]

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Bill O'Connell, Dave Valentin, Jazz, Piano

Bill O'Connell - Rhapsody in Blue

Bill O’Connell -][- Rhapsody in Blue – [Challenge Records, 2010] – Review –

Being somewhat of a novice of Latin jazz, I’m extremely honored to be acquainted with the music of internationally known composer/pianist and native New Yorker Bill O’Connell. After seeing him perform with the phenomenal Dave Valentin back in the nineties I was blown away by his (their) performance. As expected, this remarkable pianist the originator of a freshly painted canvas of ten extraordinary pieces titled “Rhapsody in Blue” on Challenge Records is welcome.

Bill O’Connell return to the studio to conjure up another tenacious blend of Latin Jazz for music aficionados to savor with each listen. Moreover, on his latest endeavor it’s an adventurous harmonic excursion that distinctly reveals why this virtuoso was thoroughly sought after pianist by such luminaries as Chet Baker, Sonny Rollins, and long time flutist Dave Valentin. While in pursuit to grow artistically O’Connell didn’t hesitate to answer his calling. Therefore, he sharpened his writing and playing skills as a pianist and later on decided to RSVP his invitation to perform with salsa great Mongo Santamaria. No doubt, this incredible beginning had to be a humbling experience for a young artist.