Inside the Jazzers Studio - Brandi Disterheft
If you know the jazz scene here in Toronto than you know that everyone, and that includes me, loves Brandi Disterheft. We love her playing with its intensity and ingenuity. We love her compositions with their unique voice echoing Mingus and Bjork. We love her presence on stage which ranges from fierce to playful. And if you're fortunate enough to spend time with her during a set break, you'll quickly discover her personality offstage is equally adorable (that is - "something to be adored") because she manages to mesh the drive needed to be a successful working musician with the wonder needed to be a thoughtful and imaginative artist.
Although this year Brandi has been brought in to the public eye as a powerful band leader, for the past four years she has been much loved as an incredible sidewoman. Laila Biali, Richard Whiteman and Friendly Rich and the Lollipop People are just some of the artists who consider Brandi their first call. I've had the pleasure of playing with Brandi in a number of different bands and she always surprises me with her innovative and honest musicality. Brandi can often be found at the Rex and it was there one night while her band was hosting the jazz jam that I interviewed Brandi with the following questions:
- What is your favorite word? ocean
- What is your least favorite word? concrete
- What turns you on [creatively, spiritually or emotionally]? sincerity
- What turns you off? someone who's derogatory
- What sound or noise do you love? rain, classical piano & gut strings on bass
- What sound or noise do you hate? a female that's loud & obnoxious & won't stop talking
- What is your favorite curse word? MOTHER SHIP CONNECTION
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? world class sailor
- What profession would you not like to do? accountant
- If Heaven exists, who's the first person you want to see in concert when you arrive? Charlie Parker
Brandi has had an amazing year since the release of her first album Debut. The fun continues as the opening days of April bring Brandi two opportunities to add National Award Winner to her resume. She's nominated for a Traditional Jazz Album of the Year Juno and a National Jazz Award! Please visit Brandi's website for details on her next gig near you.
**BRANDI UPDATE** Tonight she won the JUNO!!!! Yahoo!!
Comments