Charnett Moffett: Internet

Every now and then a bassist emerges as a front man and the instrument takes a whole new personality. Such is the case on Internet, where Charnett Moffett wrote every tune but one, an effects-laden take on "The Star Spangled Banner" obviously inspired by Jimi Hendrix. Moffett uses acoustic, electric, fretless and piccolo basses (often more than one at a time) and explores the limits as he goes along.

Listen to the playfulness of "Icon Blues," a traditional-sounding tune that features Moffett with the simple backup of piano and drums, and then notice how he completely switches gears on the following "PTL," where he leads with a very hummable melody on fretless bass, providing the backing himself with his acoustic and a little help from piano and drums.

One of the most impressive pieces on the disc is "Jubilant," which features the wordless vocals of Maria Sartori-Spencer, who delivers her contralto voice in an inspired, serene style that becomes a second voice to Moffett's instrument.

On the title track, the leader plays a cappella acoustic bass, demonstrating incredible speed on a melody that begins with a computer-like sequence of notes that have a bit of a Middle Eastern feel. On "Enjoy Your Life," an electric tune in which the bassist also handles the vocals, the lyrics don't have much to say, but the music is rich and inspiring.

Internet is an impressive album with new discoveries even after repeated listenings. is an impressive album with new discoveries even after repeated listenings.