Brandi Disterheft/Alex Minasian Group w/Dwayne.Broadnax

Brandi Disterheft/Alex Minasian Group featuring Dwayne 'Cook' Broadnax

Brandi Disterheft (bassist, composer) was born in Vancouver in 1980. Brandi is considered one of the fastest rising stars in the jazz world both nationally and internationally. She began performing alongside her mother, pianist Fran Jarre in her teens and possesses a very unique rhythmic and physical style. She counts Charles Mingus and Bjork among her influences.
Brandi has studied with Oscar Peterson, Don Thompson, Danilo Perez and currently Ron Carter in New York. Her performances include opening for Diana Krall, Dave Brubeck and Chris Botti and her travels have taken her throughout Europe, Asia and North America including the prestigious Carnegie Hall
Her first CD appropriately titled “Debut” earned her a 2008 Juno Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album. A critically acclaimed tour with her sextet in 2009 and her second release of her sophomore CD, “Second Side” features a singer/songwriter flavour with guests Holly Cole and Ranee Lee. In September 2009 she was selected as “Revelation Radio Canada Musique” for 2009 – 2010.

Official Website

Alex Minasian has, at a remarkably young age, established himself as a versatile pianist, educator, and impresario in many different genres of music. As a jazz pianist, Alex has played every major venue in New York City: Birdland, Blue Note, Iridium, Jazz @ Lincoln Center, Village Vanguard, and the Apollo Theater. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with such legends as James Ingram, Arturo Sandoval, Questlove, Marylin McCoo, NEA Jazz Masters Curtis Fuller, Hank Jones and Clark Terry, as well as jazz greats Brian Lynch, Billy Pierce, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Cobb, and Louis Hayes just to name a few. Currently, Alex is the pianist for iconic NEA Jazz Master Little Jimmy Scott. Alex received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Music with honors from New York University. He also taught piano as an adjunct professor at NYU’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Alex has studied music with some of the greatest pianists in jazz history, such as, Hank Jones, Don Friedman, Jean-Michel Pilc, and James Williams. Alex also spent a season interning at Saturday Night Live under Musical Directors Lenny Pickett and Leon Pendarvis. Currently, Alex is leading the backup band for Doo Wop Legends Eugene Pitt & The Jive Five, as well as leading his trio at such NYC venues as the Kitano, and Salon Millesime.


	Sunday February 26	Brandi Disterheft/Alex Minasian Group w/Dwayne.Broadnax