September 2007

Brandi Disterheft
Debut
Superfran

By Forrest Dylan Bryant

This young Canadian bassist’s first recording as a leader boasts a strong sense of identity and a surprisingly varied compositional range. Spinning exuberant hard-bop tunes alongside serious modernism, she channels a Mingus vibe for one track and flirts with free jazz on another. The band sounds a bit reserved at times, but overall the disc is catchy and enjoyable, combining a solid understanding of tradition with a fresh spirit of adventure. The two vocal tracks are a nice surprise, matching Disterheft’s quirky lyrics with Sophia Perlman’s throaty delivery.