The Endler Hall at Stellenbosch University was filled with the music of the late American jazz legend, Charles Mingus, on the evening of 14 October.
In an impassioned performance by the Charles Mingus Ensemble from the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, tribute was paid to the jazz artist’s album, The Black Saint and The Sinner Lady (1963). This is according to Prof Martin Zenker, the director of the ensemble. This performance was part of the 2022 Toyota US Woordfees.
The ensemble also performed some of Mingus’s other works, such as Moanin, Fables of Faubus and Self Portrait in Three Colours, according to Zenker.
On 14 October, the Charles Mingus Ensemble from the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich, performed the late jazz artist’s album The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady and other works. The performance took place at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady and other works
The ensemble covered Mingus’ avant-garde jazz suite with fine detail and novel flair. Their rendition echoed the 1963 recording’s use of guttural brass, flamenco strings and rapid percussion.
However, emphasis was placed on musical improvisation, according to Zenker.
Individual and overall brilliance
On the night, each musician contributed to a polished interpretation of Mingus’ works.
Vincent Rein, the ensemble’s bass player, invoked the spirit of Mingus to the best of his ability – providing a strong rhythmic backbone to the suite and other pieces. Mingus himself is remembered for his bass playing, among other titles, according to the Charles Mingus website.
The drummer, Nathan Carruthers, gave a frenetic performance but never overpowered the rest of the ensemble.
The brass section perfectly mirrored the controlled chaos and melodic harmony of Mingus’ original suite. Individual brilliance was also displayed by guitarist Simon Harscheidt and pianist Marina Schlagintweit.
The Charles Mingus Ensemble consists of 12 musicians and is led by Prof Martin Zenker. The ensemble consists of brass instruments, woodwinds, guitar, piano, upright bass and drums. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
The ensemble elicited a sense of excitement rivalling the original recording and executed every emotional beat to a fault. The original suite varies in tone and atmosphere – ranging from romantic and borderline sensual, to urban and dark. Friday night’s performance encompassed all these emotional twists and turns.
The ensemble’s performance took little time to reach full momentum. The audience was tossed into the jazz equivalent of a vehicle in hot pursuit that seldom slowed down. The second part of the performance, featuring Mingus’ other works from various records, was equally enthralling.
Each individual piece was approached more meticulously than the last but the level of passion and enthusiasm from each musician did not dissipate. The audience was audibly amused until the very last piece – Better Git It In Your Soul.
Charles Mingus’ The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady is a studio album released in 1963. The record is structured as a suite and is split into four parts. The album was Mingus’ 24th release. PHOTO: Sourced/Rate Your Music
Transporting emotions
“My main contribution was putting the music together,” Zenker told MatieMedia. Since sheet music for The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady was unavailable, the music had to be transcribed by ear for this performance, according to Zenker.
As director of the ensemble, Zenker encourages expression and improvisation from the musicians during performances, he said.
Zenker also tries to “transport emotions”, he said. “Music does not always have to be beautiful, but it has to trigger emotions.”
Judging by the excited cries and applause from the crowd during the performance, it seems Zenker succeeded in his goal.