Charnett Moffett, great bassist who can defy legends, dies at 54: NPR

Jazz bassist Charnett Moffett.

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Jazz bassist Charnett Moffett.

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Bassist Charnett Moffett, a key player in the jazz agnostic style since the ’80s, died last week on April 12 at Stanford University Hospital after a heart attack. He was 54 years old. The news was confirmed by his journalist, Lydia Liebman; Moffett was with his wife and musical collaborator Jana Herzen at the time.

Bass player Charnett Moffett, performing in 2006 at the Hollywood Bowl in LA.

Ricardo DeArathanha / Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

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Ricardo DeArathanha / Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

Bass player Charnett Moffett, performing in 2006 at the Hollywood Bowl in LA.

Ricardo DeArathanha / Los Angeles Times via Getty Imag

During the ’80s and ’90s, it seemed like Moffett was ubiquitous in the jazz scene, recording with upstarts like Wynton and Branford Marsalis and Stanley Jordan, and have worked with legends like Art Blakey, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Sharrock and Tony Williams. It seems like every Tuesday, what used to be record release day, brings new records enhanced by Moffett’s big, resilient tunes and his keen sense of rhythm. that. He can raise a tune without soloing on it; His ability to mix with drummers and pianists has created flexible yet solid foundations for the soloist to direct the music in any direction he or she wants. . And this popular and dynamic excellence eclipsed Moffett’s youth. When he played on Branford Marsalis’s first 1983 recording, Scenes in the City.16 year old bassist.

“The family is in shock and loss, but also grateful that he is free from the intense pain [of a Trigeminal Neuralgia diagnosis]and we invite all of his fans and loved ones to honor his indomitable spirit, his vast creativity, high flying and fun,” the family wrote in a statement.

Moffett was born into a musical family in New York City: He is the son of drummer Charles Moffett Sr., who played in the mainstay Ornette Coleman collection. At Golden Circle Stockholm (Blue Note), released in two volumes in 1966. The bassist was born the following year – his name is a combination of his father’s and Coleman’s. When Charnett was eight, he toured internationally with his family’s band.

Moffett’s work on Wynton Marsalis’ excellent 1985 recording, Black code from underground, is an excellent introduction to its range. In “For Wee Folks,” he cleverly combines with pianist Kenny Kirkland and drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts to create a rhythmic floor. Then a few tracks later in “Blues,” Moffett duet with the leader, motivating and motivating him.

A few years later, he hosted his own among respected elders on “Promises Kept” from Ask the ages, with Sharrock, saxophonist Pharoah Sanders and drummer Elvin Jones. As is often the case with drummers and bassists, Moffett is so in demand that he (also) rarely leads his own dates. But when he did, they mastered it; in his debut as the leader of the group, Net Man (Blue Note), he showed his extended range.

Perhaps his particular achievement as a leader was his solo rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner”, which pays homage to Jimi Hendrix’s version.

Throughout the 2000s, Moffett continued to make stellar music both as a leader and as a curator, often with the Manhattan Jazz Band, but the landscape has changed in part due to his impact. When Moffett arrived, jazz was Balkanizing into controversial camps, and terms like “Jazz Wars” were used without irony. Moffett transcends borders and becomes a one-man demilitarized zone, working in all styles – acoustic, electric, mainstream and avant-garde – and bringing elements of world music to the sound of me. Through the 90s and into the new millennium, musicians and the hierarchy of jazz organizations emerged in his view: music was perhaps most appreciated and joined without definition. previous meaning.