In the middle of the pandemic year, jazz bassist Brandi Disterheft did what few others were able to accomplish when she released her lighthearted and uplifting fifth album, Surfboard. Featuring 14 arrangements of classics from both Brazilian and American songbooks, the album couldn’t have come at a better time, as its mix of summer vibes, swinging upbeat numbers, and soulful ballads served as a welcome relief to the gloomy outlook and shortage of new music. Joined by her accompanying sidemen in renowned Brazilian drummer Portinho and world-class pianist Klaus Mueller, Disterheft also enlisted the playing of legendary tenor saxophonist George Coleman (Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, B.B. King). The result is a masterfully technical, yet universally alluring breath of fresh air that spotlights Disterheft’s talents as a bassist, singer, bandleader, and arranger. The impetus behind Disterheft’s latest work was to capture the energy and connection of her decade-long playing relationsh