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One of today’s finest bass players is here at
I thought tonight was initially suppose to feature a dear friend and jazz saxophone legend himself Mr. Prince Lasha. Perhaps many of you may not be familiar but, the Prince grew up with Ornette Coleman and played with cats like Eric Dolphy, Sonny Simmons, Elvin Jones and Charles Moffett and was a big influence on Charnett’s musical upbringing. However, certain circumstances lead the trio to be featured which includes Tigran Mamasyan on piano and Charnette Moffett on drums.
I bet you are thinking how can Charnett be playing on bass and drums, is he that talented? Well, when you are raised in the music, you are obliged to bring one up as well. On drums this evening is Charnette Max Moffett . How fitting that the son of a bass player and the grandson of a drummer would contribute to keep the family torch of jazz music burning for future generations.
Tigran likes to feel the keys before he plays. No really, he runs his hands over the instrument to feel its texture. Smooth, cool, weighted and engineered perfectly to express his exact sentiments at the precise time he wishes to. It looks like a ritual of giving thanks for the creation that brings him together as one with the piano. He always keeps his fingers in close proximity to the keys intangibly connecting him to the spirit of the music.
Usually when a bass player pulls out his bow, you are in for
a beautiful mellow tone. With Charnett, you not only get that, but also a trip
to
The piano has ears. Tigran can hear the nuances and dance through, with and around the music. Charnett Max is keeping the proud name of the Moffett in the history books. Father and son is already a strong statement in and of itself. When the two share music together, the love, admiration and mutual respect that the bloodline of the two generations have for each other makes you feel that the future of jazz music will be bright for us all.
Charnett’s new album is called “Internet” and just like the title implies, his global vision literally takes you all over the world and back. Charnett encourages the audience to clap to the rhythm of one of his songs. Audience participation is required for a couple of Charnette’s pieces. He coaxed us with, “Come on LA!” I felt so much responsibility to represent all of you who were not there; I had to clap three times as loud. When the young Charnett takes his solo, you can see the look on dad’s face that seems to say, “That’s right son, just like we practiced”
“Internet” is a plethora of notes, tones, slaps and
harmonics that sing! Charnett does a rendition of our national anthem, “
Great musicians will take their instruments well beyond their original intention. Charnette expresses himself in musical conversations, his concern for humanity and through the music he expresses the joys, pains and elations of life. The motto that he leaves you with is “Enjoy your Life, the Gift is Love for All”.
LeRoy Downs
