Brandi disterheft: Insights from a Jazz Legend
“My artistic vision evolves every few months,” shared Brandi Disterheft, the talented bassist from New York, in the May 2017 edition of Bass Player. “At times, I yearn for the warmth of gut strings, while at other moments, I prefer the sharpness of low-action metal strings that deliver a gritty sustain. Depending on the music, I might need to play with a fierce, aggressive style, or sometimes, I need to take a softer approach.”
Early Musical Foundations
Hailing from North Vancouver, Disterheft discovered her passion for music at a young age, influenced by her mother’s jazz piano performances. She began her musical education at the Royal Conservatory, starting with piano lessons at just five years old. By the age of 13, she transitioned to the upright bass and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from Humber College in Toronto.
Her dedication to classical music led her to join Canada’s Pops Orchestra at the age of 18. However, the pivotal moment in her career came in 2000 when she moved to New York City to study under the legendary jazz bassist Ron Carter.
Lessons from a Master
“Throughout my journey, many esteemed bassists encouraged me to seek out Mr. Carter, who is not only a revered musician but also a remarkable educator known for his gentle teaching style,” disterheft explained. “Growing up playing road hockey with my brother, I thought I had to hit the bass hard to create a strong sound, perhaps to prove my worth as a serious musician. Mr. Carter taught me the importance of refining my tone.”
“He introduced me to concepts of timing, touch, sound, and the art of crafting walking bass lines. His meticulous attention to detail is unparalleled.”
Innovative Collaborations
With her refined approach, Disterheft has infused her solo projects with fresh energy, including her latest album, Surfboard, which marks her fifth solo release. ”On this album, I collaborated with tenor saxophonist George Coleman and Brazilian drummer Portinho. Portinho has an incredible ability to elevate the rhythm; his grooves are irresistibly funky and dynamic,” she noted.
“He sets strict guidelines, but once you grasp them, he encourages you to break free. He’s always shifting the phrases, making it an exhilarating experience. George also loves to keep everyone guessing, ofen changing harmonies unexpectedly.”
Exploring New Musical Horizons
disterheft’s previous album, Blue Canvas, showcased a blend of lesser-known standards and original compositions, featuring a mix of upbeat swing and introspective ballads, along with instrumental improvisations and her hauntingly beautiful vocals.
“My intention with Blue canvas was to create a trio album that highlighted the bass, complemented by the incredible talents of Harold Mabern and drummer Joe Farnsworth,” she explained. “I was eager to include a few classics from Bobby Timmons and Phineas Newborn, and soon we formed a collective around the obscure standards we all enjoyed.”
“During that time, I experienced a creative surge, composing 40 new pieces in just three months, a stark contrast to the writer’s block I faced the previous year. I realized that my block stemmed from imposing limitations on my creativity. Now, I jot down every idea without self-judgment and refine them later.”
A Legacy of Influence
Reflecting on her journey into jazz, Disterheft credits her mother, a B3 organist and jazz pianist from chicago, as her primary inspiration. “My mother toured in the ’60s, opening for iconic acts like the Supremes and Antonio Carlos Jobim. She has enchanting stories from her early days in Las Vegas, performing in intimate cabaret venues, sharing chord voicings with Jobim before soundchecks, and navigating the glamorous world of music.”
“Playing upright bass in my mother’s trio as a teenager taught me to quickly adapt to chord changes by ear, allowing me to learn many songs from the American songbook early on. I witnessed her unwavering dedication as she transcribed the works of great jazz pianists like Bill Evans and Wynton Kelly for hours on end.”
