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Charnett Moffett: Treasure
ByAlthough Moffett's performance throughout the disc will undoubtedly make bass players do a double-take, the music reveals much more than mere bass indulgence. Even on the solo bass tracks ("Country Blues," "Sound Healing I," "Sound Healing II"), Moffett's composing emphasizes groove and melody. The opening "Swing Street" maintains an accessible appeal with a funky momentum, in spite of blazing, effects-driven bass licks. The monster-chops showcase "Beam Me Up" reveals a fondness for the late Jaco Pastorius, with Moffett in commanding form on fretless bass. Adding to the tune's intensity is bass clarinetist Oran Etkin and drummer Denardo Coleman, a long-time Moffett musical collaborator.
Another frequent associate of Moffett, guitarist Stanley Jordan, makes a guest appearance on two tracks, "The Celebration" and "The Things of Swing," the latter featuring some of the session's most inspired playing. Another bright moment comes with "Say La La," a lengthy, drone-based groove, where Moffett shares melodic duty with Kugo harpist Tomoko Sugawara, aided by sitarist Anjana Roy and Angela Moffett on tambura.
Treasure is a welcome addition to Moffett's recorded output. Once again, he continues to find fresh, innovative ways to bring the bass front-and-center.
Track Listing
Swing Street; The Celebration; The Things of Swing; Say La; Beam Me Up; Praise; Country Blues; Down Up Blues; Say La La; Treasure; Sound Healing I; Sound Healing II.
Personnel
Charnett Moffett
bassCharnett Moffett: upright bass, fretless electric bass, piccolo electric bass; Casimir Liberski: piano (4); Denardo Coleman: drums (1, 5); Rodney Holms: drums (2, 3, 4, 6); Moa Moffett: drums (8), tablas (2, 11, 12); Stanley Jordan (2, 3); Angela Moffett: Tamboura (1-4, 8, 9, 12), vocals (4); Oran Etkin: bass clarinet (1, 3, 5); RJ Avallone: trumpet (2); Irwin Hall: tenor saxophone (2); Anjana Roy: sitar (4, 9); Amareia Moffett: vocals (4); Tomoko Sugawara: Kugo Harp (9); Jana Herzen: didgeridoo (8).
Album information
Title: Treasure | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Motema Music