The Central Bank Auditorium in Port-of-Spain will explode tonight with performances from a cast of artistes at the top of their game. Among these are acoustic bassist Brandi Disterheft and pianist Brianne Ford.
Both Ford and Disterheft are recognised rising stars who have been steeped in the tradition of the jazz masters but whose performance styles and interpretation bring distinction to the music.
By her biography, Ford seems to have been destined for jazz. Born and raised in the home of jazz, the great American city of New Orleans, her obsession with the piano began at age seven. She received her early formal education at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA), a specialised high school for gifted teenage artistes whose alumni include both Wynton and Branford Marsalis and Nicolas Payton. Ellis Marsalis, scion of the Marsalis family tutored her in college. With such pedigree, it is no surprise that Ford has evolved into a leading light in the field of jazz.
One writer describes her trademark sound as a blend of "...traditional New Orleans jazz, modern jazz, hip hop and standards... that is sentient and ever-evolving, [and] that transforms listeners..."
Still in her 20's, jazz contrabassist, singer, composer, Disterheft has captivated audiences in Canada, Europe, Japan, Haiti, China, and even Carnegie Hall. T&T will soon be added to this list this weekend. A performance dynamo, she is recognised for "her fiery bass playing and her innovative live shows."
Disterheft's distinctions include a Juno for her debut album (Superfran Records), and recording credit on the 2011 Grammy winning album–Pleased to Meet You– with Oliver Jones and Hank Jones. She has also recently been under the apprenticeship of Miles Davis' bassist Ron Carter.
For more information, call 689-4298 / 625-7123 / 687-2093.
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