Carlo Mombelli
Carlo Mombelli stands as one of South Africa’s most significant and restlessly creative musical voices. Over a distinguished four-decade career, Mombelli has garnered international acclaim as a bassist, bandleader, and composer, consistently bridging gaps between genres, musicians, and audiences. His visionary approach to music-making blends the expressive soul of the developing world with the technical profundity of the classical tradition, resulting in a body of work described as both “disconcertingly beautiful” (The Jazz Times, USA) and “unusually and unexpectedly fresh” (Paris Jazz Man Magazine, France).
Mombelli’s compositions are characterized by their emotional depth, experimental nature, and a willingness to push the boundaries of sound. His music, often described as sitting “on the cusp of sanity, where madness and brilliance share space, where true art resides” (The Sunday Independent), reflects a profound understanding of rhythm, melody, and harmony, delivered with exceptional technical skill. Dan Bilawsky (All About Jazz, USA) aptly describes him as a “sage figure” who, rather than settling into a comfort zone, remains “one of the most restlessly creative forces in South African jazz.”
Early Career and International Collaborations:
A self-taught musician, Mombelli quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, performing and recording at prestigious music clubs and festivals worldwide. These include the Roma Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival, the Stockholm Jazz Festival, and the Berliner Philharmonie.
His talent has led to collaborations with a diverse array of world-renowned musicians, including Wolfgang Muthspiel, Charlie Mariano, and many others from both the classical and jazz worlds. He has also recorded for Enja Records with Egberto Gismonti, among other notable projects solidifying his international reputation.
Champion of South African Music:
Mombelli is deeply committed to the South African music scene, having performed and worked with many of the country’s leading musicians, including Kyle Shepherd, Zim Ngqawana, and numerous others across diverse genres. His bass playing can be heard on numerous South African recordings with artists, including luminaries like Miriam Makeba and Simphiwe Dana.
Recent Projects and Accolades:
In 2018, the Swiss/Italian ‘Euregio’ Large Ensemble dedicated the year to performing Mombelli’s compositions at festivals throughout Europe, showcasing the breadth and depth of his orchestral writing. In 2021, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET) in New York presented Mombelli performing his music alongside the Grammy award-winning New York String Quartet ‘Ethel’, marking a significant recognition of his contribution to contemporary music.
His recent album, featuring Wolfgang Muthspiel and Jorge Rossy, has been lauded as “music of outrageous, almost scandalous beauty” (Die Weltwoche, Switzerland, 2023), highlighting the ongoing evolution and refinement of his musical vision. His 2016 recording, I Pressed my Spine to the Ground, was chosen by BBC 3 Late Junction as one of their top 12 picks for the year. Lullaby for Planet Earth (2022) was described by All About Jazz USA as reflecting “a purity linking the concepts of self-command and surrender,” speaking “to universal hope and possibilities.”
Film, Ballet, and Commissions:
Mombelli’s creative output extends beyond jazz and into the realms of film and dance. His music has been used in numerous ballets performed worldwide, and he has composed scores for films, documentaries, and animations, which have been showcased at major art film festivals, including New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). His composition commissions include music for a mobile game for a London company, commissions for Zim Ngqawana’s orchestra, and award-winning music composition for Simphiwe Dana.
Lutherie Urbaine Project:
From 2007 to 2009, Mombelli collaborated with Jean-Louis Mechali, director of the Paris- based company ‘Lutherie Urbaine’, conducting weekly workshops in Soweto and Mamelodi, teaching children and youths to play his music on instruments built from recycled materials. The project was documented by filmmaker Sylvie Coulon in a film titled ‘Sharp Sharp’.
Educator and Author:
Alongside his performance and composition work, Mombelli is a dedicated educator. He has held teaching posts at institutions like the Berklee College of Music and the Jazz Musik Akademie in Basel, Switzerland. Mombelli is currently a NRF-rated Associate Professor and Head of Music at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, where he mentors and shapes the next generation of South African musicians. He has also created a series of videos breaking down his compositional processes, instrumentation concepts, and approaches to live performance.
His commitment to music education is further reflected in his publications: Pulses in the Centre of Silence – Composition Scores and Artistry Concepts and Mombelli’s Intergallactic Bass Book, published by Real African Publishing and internationally by Hal Leonard, respectively.
Carlo Mombelli continues to be a vital and influential figure in the global music landscape, pushing boundaries, inspiring audiences, and nurturing the next generation of musical talent. His unwavering dedication to artistic integrity and his commitment to exploring the intersection of tradition and innovation make him a true national treasure.