Remembering Charnett Moffett

Known for his lightning-fast facility, deep musical intuition, and fearless versatility, Charnett Moffett was the kind of double bassist who could both anchor and electrify a band — often at the same time.

Over the course of his all-too-short career, he played with many of the jazz world’s most creative voices.

To mark what would have been his 58th birthday, here are 5 of our favourite albums he played a role in.

Comments section is open for your favourites, too…

African Exchange Student (Kenny Garrett, 1990)

This Blue Note debut from saxophonist Kenny Garrett is a landmark in late-20th-century post-bop — and Charnett Moffett is right in the middle of the fire.

His presence on both upright and electric bass brings agility and edge to Garrett’s muscular alto playing, especially on the title track and “Ja-Hed.” The album is a perfect example of Charnett’s ability to move fluidly between groove and abstraction.

Personnel also includes Mulgrew Miller (piano) and Tony Reedus (drums)

Cornucopia (Stanley Jordan, 1990)

Stanley Jordan’s guitar technique often defied classification — and he needed a bassist who could match that. Charnett doesn’t just keep up; he adds colour, bounce, and clarity throughout.

Whether navigating delicate ballads or high-speed funk, Moffett’s bass work shines, locking in tightly with Jordan’s fluid harmonic approach.

Royal Garden Blues (Branford Marsalis, 1986)

Branford Marsalis’ Columbia-era albums pushed hard against tradition, and Royal Garden Blues is no exception.

Moffett’s playing here walks a fascinating line: he’s both a respectful student of history and a wild-card improviser. Listen to how he grounds the band on the swinging title track, then turns around and stretches into freer territory on “The Wrath of Tain.”

Also of note: Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums, and Herbie Hancock guesting on keys.

Wingspan (Mulgrew Miller, 1987)

A pianist’s bassist, Charnett is sensitive, supportive, and superbly melodic on this beautiful session led by Mulgrew Miller.

Wingspan is one of those quiet classics — a perfect blend of modern swing and lyrical expression. You can hear how Charnett leaves space when needed, then steps forward with perfectly placed bursts of rhythm or counterpoint.

The kind of album that rewards repeated listening.

Black Codes (From the Underground) (Wynton Marsalis, 1985)

An iconic album from the “Young Lions” era — and a breakout moment for the 18-year-old Charnett Moffett.

Despite his youth, his upright playing on this session is ridiculously assured. His lines are taut and urgent, navigating the knotty compositions with fearless energy. The chemistry with drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts is ferocious throughout.

This album won two Grammy Awards and remains one of Wynton’s most adventurous statements from that period.

A Lasting Legacy

Whether holding down a straight-ahead swing groove or stretching into avant-garde territory, Charnett Moffett brought a singular voice to every project he touched.

These five albums represent just a fraction of his immense contribution to jazz — from sideman roles that elevated the session to full co-creations where his personality drove the sound forward.

As fans, we’re lucky his work lives on so vividly through recordings like these.

What are your favourite Charnett Moffett tracks or albums? Let us know in the comments.