ALBUMS
HEAT WAVE
It's name meaning "lion" in Shona, a language of Zimbabwe, MHONDORO has produced a powerful first album, full of joy and brimming with the force of life. Melding traditional Zimbabwean music, American jazz, and an unmistakable dose of the Pacific Northwest, Heat Wave celebrates the culmination of it's diverse roots. Born during the pandemic as Israeli saxophonist Idit Shner, Zimbabwean vocalist & percussionist John Mambira, and the Oregon-bred rhythm section of pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni, formed a "parent pod" to allow their children to attend virtual school together while the parents jammed in the living room. Realizing that put together, the music created was both global and hyper-local-truly American, in the best sense of the word-it provided a thrilling artistic escape from the times and exciting possibilities for the future.
NGATIBATANEI
Let Us Unite!​
The Shona, "Ngatibatanei," translates to a call for unity and kinship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of people - a very appropriate sentiment guiding the second album by MHONDORO. The melding of traditional Zimbabwean music, American jazz, and an unescapable dose of the Pacific Northwest, "Ngatibatanei" celebrates the sounds of it's diverse roots with tart melodies sailing amongst inspired grooves, creating surprising moments throughout. MHONDORO is Israeli saxophonist Idit Shner, Zimbabwean vocalist & percussionist John Mambira, and the Oregon-bred rhythm section of pianist Torrey Newhart, bassist Garrett Baxter, and drummer Ken Mastrogiovanni, who discovered their collective sound - both global and hyper-local, truly American in the best sense of the word-during the long days of the pandemic. Meaning "the lion spirit" in Shona, MHONDORO is full of joy and brimming with the force of life.