Features
Brandi Disterheft: Bass, Equipment, Ron Carter, Bass Lines, and More…
Photos courtesy of Brandi Disterheft
Brandi Disterheft is a Canadian Bassist and Composer, based in New York City. The legendary Ron Carter was her mentor, and she was the bassist for the legendary Hank Jones on the album “Pleased to Meet You”. Her debut album “Debut” won a JUNO (Canadian Grammy). She is working on her sixth album, featuring the iconic drummer Louis Hayes, which will be released in 2026.
KB: Did you always want to be a musician growing up?
Yes, since I was in the first grade. I performed songs from my piano lessons, and seeing my classmates’ eyes light up with excitement showed me the magic of music. I also adored writing songs, and my mother, also a pianist, would steadily offer much encouragement! My aunt, Angie Jaree, is a Grammy-winning singer in LA, and I’d always sing along to the many recording sessions she was on. A musician’s life was a conquerable feat in my family, and I moved to NYC to play jazz.
KB: Why did you pick the bass? What is so special about this instrument?
It was my father’s idea. He thought it would be ironic to see a little girl playing a very large instrument. I was immediately mesmerized by the sonorous low sound. And all that control with the pocket and harmony simultaneously!
KB: You studied under the great Ron Carter… what did he teach you, and what is your fondest memory?
Mr. Carter wanted it right, not one time, but five times in a row. His attention to detail is something I have never seen before. He wanted a beautiful sound with minimum effort, hence 2 fingers plucking at the same time as one unit, rather than one finger. He wanted a softer, more rounder sound and kept repeating I was playing too hard and too loud. And then suddenly, as I lightened up, I could hear even the poignant yet delicate attack of the note. He is an eloquent person, and similarly, his bass playing has that royal finesse.
KB: Which basses have you used in your career, and which bass are you using currently?
1920’s German Pfretzschner Upright Bass and a 1980 fretless Fender P Bass. Had them both for years.
KB: What gear equipment do you use with the bass?
Live shows for front of house – I always bring my DPA bass mic. Love Ampegs and Hartke for the Upright. Right now, my G string is a synthetic gut that my student gave me. (Always long for a gut when I play all metal strings). Thomastik Spirocore on the other 3 with a David Gage Realist pick-up and a back-up Kolstein pick-up.
KB: Are there artists you would love to collaborate with or you wished you had?
I’ve recorded with Hank Jones, Harold Mabern, and George Coleman. Straight to the jazz source before we lose that sound in our ears that only the elders have. I would like to collaborate with Finneas O’Connell.
KB: What are your 7 favorite bass lines in any music genre?
- “Altitude” – Brandi Disterheft – which is featured on my new 6th record to be released in 2026. (Tune based on Donald Bird’s “Fly Little Bird”)
- “For Turiva” – Charlie Hayden
- “Uptown Sop – Gene Harris/ Ray Brown
- “Just a Gigolo” – Louis Prima – (Love how Amado Ridriquez plays up the octave in AB, makes the song bright and clean. Basic triad. If he played it lower, it wouldn’t have that punch. Upright sings clearly)
- “Bolivia” – Cedar Walton
- “The Hang” – Anthony Wonsey
- “Elation” – Vincent Herring
KB: What are you currently up to?
Working on finishing up my new record featuring the iconic drummer Louis Hayes (2026 release). I have a few “pop” bonus songs and reading champion athletes’ autobiographies to steer this record into an album with lyrics to inspire my twin girls to hold the belief that they have the gift. I’m thinking of calling it “Game, Set, Match”.
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Ron Carter is an American Double Bassist with a career spanning more than 60 years who has recorded over 2200 albums. This is a Guinness World Record. He is not only a musician, but also a teacher, a band leader, and an author. He won three Grammys and earned seven honorary doctorates. His new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, with choirmaster Ricky Dillard and New G, was released on 6 February.
KB: Your new album “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”… What was the creative process?
I shared the recordings I made for my mom 30 years ago, and Dr. Dillard and I worked together (along with Zeke Listenbee) on the arrangements to weave the choir, instrumentation, and merge the jazz-gospel genres.
KB: Does the album title have a special meaning?
Aside from being the title of one of the hymns on the album, it embodies the spirit of my mother, and the inspiration and joy I hope everyone feels when listening to this music.
KB: What is the album’s story?
The story on my website tells it best:
The hymns on this album have an independent and deep history for the gospel community, in addition to having been integrated weekly into the life and musical development of the Carter family in the intimate Detroit church community they attended. A church that depended solely on the voices of the parishioners as instruments.
When Willie O. Carter was on bed rest toward the end of her life, she asked her son to sit with her and sing the hymns of his childhood to keep her spirits elevated in musical reminiscence. Mr. Carter promptly went home, recorded himself composing his bass lines integrated with the hymns, for his mother to enjoy during the final weeks of her life.
KB: You collaborated on this album with Dr. Ricky Dillard… How did this come about?
We met when Don Was (President of Blue Note Records) introduced us. He knew I wanted to do an album of hymns, and he knew that Dr. Dillard and I would make a formidable musical team. He and his choir were wonderful. We were able to meld jazz and gospel in a way that has never been done before.
KB: Which musicians are working with you on the album?
In addition to Ricky Dillard and New G, The Baylor Project is on “Farther Along”, Wendy Wyatt is incredible on “Softly and Tenderly”, Avery Sunshine on “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” and Tim White on “In The Garden”.
KB: Which basses and equipment did you use on the album?
Only my upright Juzek bass and Epifani amp.
KB: I did an interview with Brandi Disterheft, and she called you her mentor.
Brandi is a wonderful student starting to make some headway in the industry. I’m just the bass teacher.
KB: What are the rest of your plans for this year?
No tour plans for this album at the moment, although I’ve got a pretty busy recording and touring schedule this year.
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Today, I’m excited to welcome Ellen back, along with her father, professional guitarist Hovak Alaverdyan, following the release of Take Off, the debut album from Ellen’s band, Jaminai.
Join me as we discuss the making of this exciting new project, explore how Ellen developed her now-signature bass tone and style, and learn what lies ahead for this young musician whose career continues to soar.
Please welcome Ellen and Hovak Alaverdyan!
Album cover artwork, Ellen Alaverdyan
Header Photo, Hovak Alaverdyan
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Here is George Gekas!
Photo, TommyMoore
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Here’s Adam Russell.
Photo: Ryan Stephens
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In this interview, we sit down with Tim to talk about the new album, the secrets behind his unmistakable tone, and what lies ahead for Drivin N Cryin.
Here is Tim Nielsen.
Photos: Chris Neilsen, Carlton Freeman, Ted Lanthangue, and courtesy Tim Neilsen
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