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| Charnett Moffett's ’Internet’ Internet (Piadrum Records), bassist-composer Charnett Moffett's ninth release as a leader, displays not only his brilliant virtuosity on the acoustic bass, piccolo bass, fretless electric bass and bass guitar but his continued growth as a composer. Featured along with Moffett are keyboardist Stephen Scott, drummers Eric McPherson and Armit Shamir, guest pianists Scott Brown and J.S., two appearances by soprano-saxophonist Aaron Spencer and the voice of Maria Sartori-Spencer on "Jubilant." Internet consists of 16 of Charett Moffett's varied originals plus his very personal version of "The Star Spangled Banner." The bassist explains the idea behind the collection. "When you log onto the Internet, there are a countless number of different places where you can visit around the world. I like so many different kinds of music that I wanted the possibilities to be as endless on this release as is offered on the Internet. This is a jazz album but it is very open to other influences. No matter where you are in the world, there is one sky. That is the concept of this album, connecting people and music from all over the world together, like the Internet." The opening track, " "G.E.M., " is dedicated to the classic John Coltrane Quartet rhythm section of Jimmy Garrison, Elvin Jones and McCoy Tyner. Moffett's powerful and authoritative bass playing is dominant throughout with support from Scott and McPherson, paying tribute to both the famous rhythm section and Moffett's long association with Tyner. "'Icon Blues' shows my Ray Brown influence plus who I am today within the conception of the blues." It features Moffett swinging up a storm in a performance that would have made Brown smile. "PTL (Pray To Love)" is a danceable, catchy and playful piece that features Moffett's bass ensemble on three respective instruments including piccolo, acoustic and fretless electric basses. The bassist cites "Kings And Queens" as a strong example of his writing, and the original chord changes clearly challenge the trio with Scott and Moffett taking particularly creative solos. The unaccompanied bass solo, "Coral, " an extension of "Kings And Queens, " is a bit reminiscent of classical music and has a very precise theme that Moffett plays flawlessly. "Free Raga, " which lives up to its name, is an especially intriguing performance. Moffett's piccolo bass sounds a bit like a sitar while interacting with drummer Amit Shamir. "'Jubilant' gave me a chance to demonstrate my electric bass chops, influenced by the fusion style of bass playing from the era in which I grew up." "Jubilant, " which has the flavor of both fusion and Indian music, includes contributions from Shamir, the haunting voice of Maria Sartori-Spencer, Aaron Spencer's soprano and pianist J.S. The trio with Stephen Scott and Eric McPherson returns for the atmospheric "Rain Drops, " the up-tempo romp "Triumph" and "Mr. O.C." which is dedicated to Ornette Coleman. "'Mr. O.C.' is free and Ornettish, showing the influence of the harmolodic system." "Wishful Thinking, " which also pays tribute to Coleman along with Charles Mingus, has some fascinating free playing by the trio. "'Happy Dream' gave me a chance to stretch out, taking the bass out of its normal function." Moffett's remarkable and highly expressive playing on "Happy Dream" by itself could be conclusive evidence that he is one of the greats on his instrument, and the same can be said for his driving and purposeful solo on "Internet." "Universal March" features Moffett's piccolo bass along with a strong and infectious melody. The philosophical "Enjoy Your Life" has a vocal by Moffett sung in unison with his bass. "The Star Spangled Banner" showcases Moffett's bowing joined by unusual effects. The final "RAS, " a joyful and rockish piece "is about being an artist, taking chances and going by your own philosophy without worrying about what someone else thinks you should be doing." Moffett emphasizes, "The instrument I play affects my music, so the group sound in this recording is not typical." He continues, " As a person, I am a musician, and I live my music everyday of my life. Life and music both come from the spirit." Internet, one of Charnett Moffett's strongest recordings to date, is an important step forward in the evolution of the imposing bassist-composer who has successfully carved out his own original musical identity. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |