Throughout its history, Latin Jazz has spread across the United States, evolving differently in the country’s various regions. The East Coast, and New York in particular, often sits in history as the music’s birthplace; it remains a vital spot for the growth and survival of Latin Jazz, but it’s not the end of the story. Latin Jazz spent years jumping all over the map, developing a significant presence on the West Coast in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. Transplanted mentors in Afro-Cuban music helped solidify the knowledge base in these areas, with role models like Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Francisco Aguabella, and Armando Peraza sharing their experience with local musicians. These musicians provided a firm understanding of the music’s Afro-Cuban foundations, but from there, local musicians helped it grow into a uniquely West Coast version of Latin Jazz. From that point, the East and West Coast Latin Jazz scenes shared a common heritage, but they created very different products. The West Coast’s version of Latin Jazz built a very authentic link to Cuban heritage but stepped away from New York tradition. The East Coast remained on the cutting edge of the music, thriving upon the the strength of history and innovation bred through the New York scene. As Latin Jazz moved into the twenty first century, both sides of the country held significant musical movements, and major opportunities for collaboration and shared knowledge.

Collaboration between East and West Coast musicians is always a cause for celebration, and this week the San Francisco Bay Area will be cheering as New York flautist Andrea Brachfeld brings her talents into the region. A long-time fixture on the New York Latin music scene, Brachfeld has an important history in the music. She found a love for Latin music during her developmental years, leading to a high profile gig with the influential salsa band Charanga ’76. As she developed her career, she performed with Tito Puente, Ray Barretto, Dave Valentin, and more. Now a band leader with an impressive catalogue of recordings, ranging from the 2000 release Remembered Dreams to the 2008 album Into the World: A Musical Offering, Brachfeld has become an important musician with knowledge to share. Brachfeld will be a guest artist with the Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble this week, holding a clinic on the origins and role of the flute in Afro-Cuban music, as well as working with the band. The clinic, held this Thursday April 1at 12:00 p.m., will be free and open to the public. In addition, Brachfeld will hold two performances with several of the area’s finest musicians, including pianist Murray Low, bassist Dave Belove, and drummer Paul van Wageningen. She’ll be covering a good deal of ground in her performances, with shows in both Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Brachfeld’s performances will highlight some important collaboration between the East and West Coast music scenes, creating a must-hear event for Bay Area Latin Jazz fans.

The Bay Area is in for a treat this week as Brachfeld shares her musical insights with several generations of musicians. In honor of Brachfeld’s musicality, we’re dedicating today’s Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix to the flautist with several great clips. The first video finds Brachfeld recording with her New York based Latin Jazz ensemble, Phoenix Rising, performing an original composition. The second clip features Brachfeld performing in a club setting, showing some heavy flute chops. The last video places Brachfeld in a serious descarga with several other flautists, including the great Dave Valentin. There’s some notable music in Brachfeld – good news for Bay Area Latin Jazz fans this week. Enjoy!

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Andrea Brachfeld & Phoenix Rising Performing “Four Corners”

Andrea Brachfeld Opening Up Over “Flor De Zampoña”

Andrea Brachfeld Performing In A Flute Descarga

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BAY AREA LATIN JAZZ FOLKS – CATCH ANDREA BRACHFELD THIS WEEK!
Brachfeld will be making a rare Bay Area appearance this week, so don’t miss it! She’ll be giving a clinic as part of her work with the Stanford Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble entitled “The Origins and Role of the Flute in Afro-Cuban Music: 1900 – Present.” You can also catch her performing with an all-star Bay Area ensemble that will include Murray Low on piano, David Belove on bass, and Paul van Wageningen on drums. These are two must-see events; the info is below, put it on your calendar now!

ANDREA BRACHFELD
Clinic – The Origins and Role of the Flute in Afro-Cuban Music: 1900-Present
WHEN: Thursday 4/1/10
WHERE: Bolivar House – Stanford University
528 Alvarado Row
Stanford, CA
TIME: 12:00 p.m.
TICKETS: FREE

WHEN: Thursday 4/1/10
WHERE: Kuumbwa Jazz Center
320-2 Cedar Street
Santa Cruz, CA
TIME: 7:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $12 in advance; $15 at door

WHEN: Friday 4/2/10
WHERE: Yoga Society of San Francisco
2872 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA
TIME: 8:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $10

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Want to hear more from Andrea Brachfeld? Check out these albums:

Back With Sweet Passion

Remembered Dreams

Chembo Corniel & Andrea Brachfeld: Beyond Standards

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in – it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans – let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE.

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Spotlight: Into The World: A Musical Offering, Andrea Brachfeld
4 Latin Jazz Flautists Bringing The Instrument Into The Forefront
10 Latin Jazz Perspectives On Charlie Parker
12 More Female Artists That Rock The Latin Jazz World

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