MICK RAUBENHEIMER’S Round Corners mini interviews situate given artists outside their medium whilst peeking into their various worlds. He sat down in the internet lounge with the astonishment that is one-time Michael Jackson impersonator and gifted dad Carlo Mombelli.
When did you first identify as a creative artist?
I was first attracted to classical music when my mother took me see the ballet Swan Lake when I was eight. It really touched me. After that experience I wanted to play music and started piano lessons, even though we never ever had a piano at home. Later I got into rock music, listening to bands like Led Zeppelin, The Police and Pink Floyd (with their spacious sound designs), and Bob Marley.
I was also very attracted to sounds of the forest that surrounded Pretoria Boys High – here I learnt a lot about composition. Then when I was 16 someone played me a recording of Weather Report’s Heavy Weather album – I fell in love with Jaco. Through Jaco I discovered Joni Mitchell and Pat Metheny. Through Pat Metheny I discovered ECM Records. And through ECM I discovered Egberto Gismonti, Jan Garbarek and Keith Jarrett. It was only in my early 20’s that I fell in love with the music of Miles Davis.
Outside of your medium, what branch of art most stimulates you?
Fine art – and ITALY, the food, the architecture, the coffee and grappa, that’s all art to me.
Which artist/s in said discipline have significantly inspired you, and why?
Vincent van Gogh. The colours and the intensity in each stroke of the brush is inspiring. I have been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam a few times now and the folk song called Vincent by Don Mclean always brings a tear to my eyes.
What, to you, is art’s most important function?
Storytelling and documenting time, uplifting the spirit. It is also a way to express emotions of happiness and grief.
Local creatives (in any medium) that currentlyexcite you?
I love Kyle Shepherd and Buddy Wells’ new project – it is amazing music – and am also listening to my daughter’s band called Maria Mombelli and the BelliButtons.
What specific work – be it in literature, music, or visual art – do you return to again and again, and why?
The no 1 recording that I have listened to the most is Face Value by Phil Collins. I love songs.
Any current project you’re unveiling/wrapping up?
Well besides the duets with Kyle Shepherd that are very gentle and beautiful, I’ll be performing at this year’s Oppikoppi festival. The theme for this year is based on my composition Me the Mango Picker.
Hear Carlo with Kyle Shepherd on the Jazz at the Bakery bill in Kalk Bay at 134 Main Rd, Kalk Bay on Saturday 19 August at 8pm.
Who: Carlo Mombelli
Olympia Bakery Book Tickets: https://www.quicket.co.za/events/31422-jazz-at-the-bakery-slow-life-presents-carlo-mombelli-with-kyle-shepherd/#/v
Web: https://www.facebook.com/events /1920479974890202/
Bellibuttons Gig: https://www.evensi.com/maria-mombelli-amp-the-bellibuttons-the-immigrant-bar/ 220015812
WS
