Charnett Moffet: The power of bass

Bellbass · #1 07-04-2006, 08:32 AM

Two days ago I saw McCoy Tyner septet and I had a real epiphany in witnessing the immense power of Charnett Moffet on bass. Rarely, if ever, have I seen such authority from a bass player. And the joy to watch the big man play the DB, having fun, playing to the crowd and his partners on stage, with his presence so huge - even for my friend Bill, a sax player who could not believe that bass could be played that way. In some ways, Moffet reminded me of David Murray, the tenor sax probably because of the ease and force he imposes. If not the most subtle, Moffet is indeed a total Monster, ready to brake loose (with his wah-wah on arco) and get into the groove - which seems to be a problem for maybe jazz musicians as they don't seem to grasp the concept of being on stage with a crowd in front of them. Charnett surely does know what being on stage mean! I'm now running to get some of his recordings. Maybe some of you guys have some suggestions?

damonsmith · #2 07-05-2006, 03:48 PM

Sonny Sharrock's "Ask The Ages" is the only recording of him I have liked. He is amazing on it.

Jeff Guevin · #3 07-05-2006, 04:15 PM

He also rocks the house on Kenny Garrett's "Standard of Language". Not much soloing, but his comping is incredible.

Bellbass · #4 07-05-2006, 04:43 PM

Thanks guys! I'll check it out!

hdiddy · #5 07-06-2006, 01:08 AM

I've been a fan of Charnett since I saw him play with Ornette Coleman at the SF Opera. What a show.

Both of his latest albums as the leader are pretty good. So far I like "For the Love of Peace" more. I have yet to get the stuff where he's playing as a sideman.

TomSauter · #6 07-06-2006, 11:53 AM

"Work" by Mulgrew Miller and "The Sweetest Sounds" by Donald Brown are both really good. "Black Codes" by Wynton Marsalis

B. Graham · #7 07-06-2006, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

Sonny Sharrock's "Ask The Ages" is the only recording of him I have liked. He is amazing on it.

Oooooooh. Dang. I'd forgotten all about Sonny Sharrock. Thanks for the reminder.

Didn't Melvin Gibbs play most of the bass parts on that recording?

damonsmith · #8 07-06-2006, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Graham

Oooooooh. Dang. I'd forgotten all about Sonny Sharrock. Thanks for the reminder.

Didn't Melvin Gibbs play most of the bass parts on that recording?

you are thinking of "Seize the Rainbow", another great Sharrock LP.
"Ask The Ages" is Pharroh Sanders, Elvin jones + Sharrock & Moffett.

Anonymous75966 · #9 07-06-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damonsmith

Sonny Sharrock's "Ask The Ages" is the only recording of him I have liked. He is amazing on it.

+1 ... He plays power chords all through the head of the first track, "Promises Kept," and swings like a mofo. Maybe the best Bill Laswell-produced record too. I transcribed that head and used to sneak it into restaurant gigs as a bossa, which seemed to me like 75% tribute and 25% travesty. Imagine if you will.

I liked him a lot on Ornette's "Sound Museum," too - he's a powerhouse. I'd have liked to see the arco wah wah though ...

Bellbass · #10 07-06-2006, 04:15 PM

A powerhouse indeed! A little over the top sometimes (definitely playing for the crowd) although the wah thing was quite refreshing in a show otherwise quite conservative (McCoy had a difficult time playing). In his first few solos Charnett was pulling all the tricks (slapping, furious pentatonics, hitting the bow on the wooden side, wah wah) but then he took one in a blues in such a way, so respectful of the tradition and so tasty. Surprising (I did not know the guy beforehand) and so inspiring!

Jazzin' · #11 07-07-2006, 12:08 AM

I was there.

Will Yager · #12 07-22-2006, 09:54 AM

I'll have to second "Ask the Ages." Incredible album.