The Orbit Experience with Jimmy Mngwandi

A lot had already been written about the venue and many photographers, professional and social networks hobbyists alike, had sufficiently captured and shared moments from the venue, never to be repeated again. Almost every South African jazz platform, newspaper, blog, and social network group, had had their say. I even heard some artists saying that it was too good… too good to be true. It was still not enough to satisfy my curiosity and desire to experience this apparent live jazz phenomenon personally. 

It finally arrived. On Sunday 6^th April, it was my turn to experience the magic of The Orbit (www.theorbit.co.za ) – A newly opened jazz venue in Braamfontein, that has been at the tip of every live jazz appreciating individual’s tongue, around Joburg. Fitted with high quality sound and lighting to create the perfect ambiance, one would be excused for using the word “perfect”, to describe it. The act on that evening was the South African bass maestro Jimmy Mngwandi, who is now based in New York, playing music from his new album African Desert (recorded in Chicago). He featured Mzamo Bhengu on trumpet, Sphiwe Shiburi on drums, Mdu Mtshali on Piano, and Sax veteran Syney Mnisi. 

Upon arrival I was disappointed to notice that the show was going to be held at the smaller stage at the bottom, as I had heard great stories about “the other stage”, the great 200 seater theatre upstairs. That was about the end of my disappointments though! Everything else was what I expected and a bit more, and the food smelled divine. 

With the ambience set and the audience totally silent, Jimmy and the band went on to put up an impressive show, and the queue at the CD sales desk said it all. He played with great passion and energy, and had not forgotten his sense of humour at home. Mdu caused a few hearts to skip bits with his fast-paced traversal of the black and white keys, and just when I thought he had stolen the show from Jimmy, Sydney and Sphiwe had me thinking twice about it with their interchanges. At some point Sydney nodded convincingly as Sphiwe phrased away. When it was Sydney’s turn to solo, he didn’t hold back on showing why he is one the best sax players SA has ever produced, playing like a man possessed, and only taking split second pauses to fix his spectacles and get some breath. Sphiwe kept the rhythm steady and flawless, completing the magic of The Orbit experience.  

 Jimmy Mngwandi’s African Dessert is available from Jazz Essay Record Bar (https://www.jazzessayrecordbar.com ). Some pics from the show…