Brandi Disterheft - Second Side (2009)

The Canadian equivalent of Esperanza Spalding, young bassist/vocalist Brandi Disterheft crosses over into many forms of modern and contemporary jazz on this, her second recording. Blessed with a sweet voice and instrumental chops to burn, she mixes up funk, pop, or fusion styles with a different group on every track, and diversity in mind. Like Spalding, Disterheft uses a playful sense of wonder, retaining her youthful exuberance and even innocence. Hip and upbeat during the instrumental waltz "My Only Friends Are the Pigeons," she could also easily hit the adult contemporary charts with the exciting, vocal based "Twilight Curtain." There's a restless spirit present during most of these tracks, whether in reference to the electric Miles Davis, the jangling guitar on top of hard funk, or regal sounds during "Liege." Cameo appearances from pop/jazz vocalist Holly Cole, or straight-ahead singer Ranee Lee on the Harold Arlen/Johnny Mercer evergreen "This Time the Dream's on Me" with a big band, broadens Disterheft's palette further. Though not definitive or sharply focused, Brandi Disterheft proves to be a formidable talent, ready to break out, essentially scratching the surface of her enormous talent and big ears. © Michael G. Nastos