Charnett Moffett

Creatively, Charnett Moffett had his ups and downs during his stay at Blue Note/Manhattan in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Net Man was impressive, Beauty Within was forgettable, and Nettwork was enjoyable, if overproduced. It was clear that Moffett had amazing potential, but not until Planet Home, his first Evidence release, did the bassist deliver a truly outstanding album. Without question, this collection of 1993 and 1994 sessions with pianist/keyboardist Geoff Keezer and drummer Victor Lewis contains the most rewarding and creative work he had done so far. Whether he is playing fusion on the electric bass or post-bop on the upright bass, Moffett never sounded more inspired and uninhibited than he does on this CD. His playing is superb, and his writing is quite imaginative on originals that range from the Middle Eastern-influenced "Free Your Mind" and the haunting "Peace Within the Struggle" to the hypnotic "Parade." The album ends on an interesting note with a dissonant interpretation of "The Star Spangled Banner," which is arguably the most daring version of the anthem to come along since Jimi Hendrix gave it the heavy metal treatment in the late 1960s. With Planet Home, Moffett wasn't just showing us that he had potential -- he was living up to it in a major way. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide