A new musical weekly incentive to get over blue Mondays.
“I love you all and I’ll, see you here next week!” Those were the parting words of Carlo Mombeli, associate professor and the head of Wits University’s Music department. Mombeli’s words were not only an indicator of the intimate feel of the room but also a reflection of his intentions.
Wits Jazz Tuesday’s is a weekly musical showcase put on at the Wits theatre lobby by the students and staff of the university’s music department.
Writing this, I felt like a miner who had just discovered gold or a scientist who had just uncovered the inner workings of one of Earth’s many mysteries.
The night was ushered in with the cry of the first musician’s trumpet. At that moment, the theatre lobby turned into a terminal with the audience members being passengers eagerly awaiting a journey that transcended space and time.
Words cannot adequately substitute the feeling of physically being present at the feet of a live music ensemble, but in my attempt to use a linguistic medium, I would describe Wits Jazz Tuesdays as a place for community.
The Wits Jazz Tuesday community survives off an ecosystem made of jazz lovers, musicians (instrumentalists and vocalists) and aspiring musicians. Mombeli’s hands-on approach to leading this weekly musical gathering further strengthens its community feel, with him encouraging audience members to showcase any of their musical abilities while he volunteered one of his students to back them up.
The tapping of shoes on the ground, the nodding of heads, the closing of eyes and the occasional yelling of inaudible sounds were all markers of a common understanding and appreciation of the jazz genre.
The programme began with pure jazz and improvisation by specific student bands selected in advance. As the evening progresses and audience members are invited to perform, genres such as indie pop and alternative music become more frequent.
The evening struck the right balance between indulging the tastes of jazz fanatics and virtuosos while catering to the tastes of music lovers in general.
Wits Jazz Tuesday’s was an interactive experience that demanded engagement. Midway through the programme- Mombelli asked everyone to participate in creating the evening’s soundtrack by mumbling in a specific tone. Despite the awkward giggles and concerned comments that followed this request, Mombelli remained committed to democratising jazz and its creation.
This was further reflected in his decision to make the showcase free and invite everyone to join him and his students again next week. It was a fun and heartwarming experience. Its inclusive nature is reassuring and relaxing. The weekly showcase on Tuesday evenings serves as a reward for surviving Mondays!
I would give it a solid 9/10.
FEATURED IMAGE: An image of Wits University’s music students performing a song
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