A Bit Too Diverse Disterheft

Canadian bassist Brandi Disterheft's second CD shows her emerging as a performer and writer to be reckoned with. Second Side has a number of moments that make the listener want to hear more, particularly when she plays the kind of witty jazz heard on tunes like "My Only Friends Are Pigeons". Drummer Sly Jubas and Ms. Disterheft blend together seamlessly, as sax players Chris Gale and Shawn Nyquist duel on the melody. The contributions of vocalists Holly Cole ("He's Walking") and Lanee Lee ("This Time the Dream's On Me") are highlights. However, there is too much stylistic dabbling here. In the liner notes to the CD, Ms. Disterheft indicates her love of the music of Milton Nascimento, Simon and Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell, as well as Miles, Mingus and Jackie McLean. The result of her trying to pay tribute to her idols and explore their varying musical heritages is an album that has individual tunes that shine, but fails to hold together as a whole. I'll look forward to her attempt to concentrate on one style or concept at a time, creating a more cohesive jazz experience.