Charles Moffett

Charles Moffett (September 6, 1929 – February 14, 1997) was a free jazz drummer.

Moffett began his musical career as a trumpeter before switching to drums. He is probably best known for his part in Ornette Coleman's trio with David Izenzon in the 1960s. He also appeared on other important albums of that period, such as Archie Shepp's Four for Trane. He also performed on vibraphone.

Later in his career, he began teaching music at New York Public Schools including P.S. 58 (Carrol School) in Brooklyn and at P.S. 177 M (under the Manhattan Bridge and now defunct). He also taught at a Brooklyn High School, and was principal of the alternative Odyssey public school in Berkeley, California in the mid-1970s. The title of his first solo album The Gift is a reference to his love of teaching music. His then 7-year-old son Codaryl played drums on that album.

His sons are double bassist Charnett Moffett and drummer Codaryl "Cody" Moffett.

Discography

As leader

• "The Gift" (Savoy)
• "The Charles Moffett Family-Vol. 1" (LRS)
• "Moffett & Son's" (Sweet Basil/Apollon)

As sideman

with Ornette Coleman:

• "Town Hall 1962" (ESP Disk)
• "Chappaqua Suite" (CBS)
• "An Evening With Ornette Coleman" (Polydor International)
• "The Paris Concert '65" (Magnetic)
• "Live at the Tivoli '65" (Magnetic)
• "At The "Golden Circle", Stockholm Volumes One and Two" (Blue Note)
• "Who's Crazy? Vol. 1 & 2" (Jazz Atmosphere)
• "Lonely Woman" (BAT)

with Eric Dolphy:

• "Iron Man" (Douglas)
• "Memorial Album" (FM)

with Archie Shepp:

• "Four For Trane" (Impulse!)

with Prince Lasha:

• "It Is Revealed" (Zounds)
• "Firebirds (album)" w/ Sonny Simmons (Contemporary)
• "Firebirds Vol. 3" (Birdseye)

with Harold McNair:

• "Affectionate Fink" (Island)

with the Charles Tyler Ensemble:

• "Charles Tyler Ensemble" (ESP Disk)

with the Bob Thiele Emergency:

• "Head Start" (Flying Dutchman)

with Frank Lowe:

• "Decision In Paradise" (Soul Note)
• "Bodies & Soul" (CIMP)

with Ahmed Abdullah:

• "Ahmed Abdullah and the Solomonic Quintet" (Silkheart)

with Sonny Simmons:

• "Ancient Ritual" (Qwest/Reprise)
• "Transcendence" (CIMP)
• "Judgement Day" (CIMP)

with Keshavan Maslak:

• "Blaster Master" (BlackSaint)
• "Big Time" (Daybreak)

with Kenny Millions:

• "Brother Charles" (Hum Ha)
• "Masking Tape Music" (Hum Ha)