Charnett Moffett, expansive bassist who could challenge legends, dies at 54

Jazz bassist Charnett Moffett.

Courtesy of the artist

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Jazz bassist Charnett Moffett.

Courtesy of the artist

Bassist Charnett Moffett, a stylistically agnostic staple of the jazz scene because the ’80s, died final week on April 12 at Stanford College Hospital following a coronary heart assault. He was 54. The information was confirmed by his publicist, Lydia Liebman; Moffett was together with his spouse and musical collaborator Jana Herzen on the time.

Bass participant Charnett Moffett, performing in 2006 on the Hollywood Bowl in LA.

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Bass participant Charnett Moffett, performing in 2006 on the Hollywood Bowl in LA.

Ricardo DeAratanha/Los Angeles Instances by way of Getty Imag

Through the ’80s and ’90s, it appeared as if Moffett was in every single place within the jazz scene, recording with then-up-and-comers like Wynton and Branford Marsalis and Stanley Jordan, and was working with legends like Artwork Blakey, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Sharrock and Tony Williams. It appeared as if each Tuesday, what was once file launch day, introduced forth new recordings that have been elevated by Moffett’s massive, elastic tone and his acute rhythmic sensibility. He may elevate a tune with out soloing on it; his skill to intertwine with drummers and pianists created versatile but sturdy foundations for soloists to drive the music in no matter route she or he happy. And this ubiquity and dynamic excellence obscured Moffett’s youth. When he performed on Branford Marsalis’ debut 1983 recording, Scenes within the Metropolis, the bassist was 16 years previous.

“The household is in shock and devastated, but additionally grateful that he’s launched from the extraordinary ache [of a Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis], and we invite all his followers and family members to have fun his indomitable, vastly artistic, excessive flying and joyful spirit,” the household writes in an announcement.

Moffett was born right into a musical household in New York Metropolis: He’s the son of drummer Charles Moffett Sr., who performed on the pivotal Ornette Coleman assortment On the Golden Circle Stockholm (Blue Notice), which was launched on two volumes in 1966. The bassist was born the next yr – his title is a contraction of the primary names of his father and Coleman. When Charnett was eight, he toured internationally together with his household’s band.

Moffett’s work on Wynton Marsalis’ excellent 1985 recording, Black Codes from the Underground, is a superb showcase of his vary. On “For Wee Of us,” he works deftly with pianist Kenny Kirkland and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts to create a lithe rhythmic ground. Then, a number of tracks afterward “Blues,” Moffett duets with the chief, pushing and prodding him.

A couple of years later, he holds his personal amid esteemed elders on “Guarantees Saved” from Ask the Ages, with Sharrock, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and drummer Elvin Jones. As is commonly the case with drummers and bassists, Moffett was at all times so in-demand that he (too) sometimes led his personal dates. However when he did, they have been masterful; on his debut as a pacesetter, Internet Man (Blue Notice), he confirmed his expansive scope.

Maybe his signature achievement as a pacesetter was his solo rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which pays homage to Jimi Hendrix’s model.

All through the 2000s, Moffett continued to make stellar music each as a pacesetter and as a sideman, typically with the Manhattan Jazz Quintet, however the scene had modified due partially to his affect. When Moffett arrived, jazz was Balkanizing into contentious camps, and phrases like “the Jazz Wars” have been used with out irony. Moffett ignored the borders and have become a one-man demilitarized zone, working in all types – acoustic, electrical, mainstream and avant-garde – and bringing parts of world music into his sound. By way of the ’90s and into the brand new millennium, musicians and the hierarchy of jazz establishments got here round to his perspective: music is probably greatest appreciated and took part in with out preconceived definitions.