Mumbo Jumbo: A History of the Groovy and the Absurd

Mumbo jumbo, that enigmatic blend of playful nonsense, nonsensical lyrics, and absurd humor, has a rich history that’s as wild and unpredictable as the music itself. It’s a genre that defies easy categorization, a musical gumbo of vaudeville, dadaism, and good old-fashioned silliness.

Roots in the Absurd

The seeds of mumbo jumbo were sown long before the term itself was coined. Think of the nonsensical wordplay of Lewis Carroll’s “Jabberwocky,” the dadaist poetry of Tristan Tzara, or even the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dali. These movements explored the absurd, challenging conventions and embracing the nonsensical. This spirit of playfulness and unconventionality would later find its way into music.

The Rise of the Mumbo Jumboists

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw the emergence of musicians who embraced the absurd in their music. Think of the legendary composer, Erik Satie, who composed pieces like “Three Pieces in the Form of a Pear” and “Furniture Music” – a piece intended to be played in the background of a dinner party. He was a master of the ironic and the nonsensical, a true pioneer of mumbo jumbo.

Later, artists like Spike Jones, with his wild, satirical arrangements and “The Music Goes ‘Round and ‘Round” and “Der Fuehrer’s Face,” took mumbo jumbo to a whole new level. He combined music, comedy, and social commentary, creating a genre that was both hilarious and thought-provoking.

Mumbo Jumbo Today

While the term “mumbo jumbo” may not be widely used, the spirit of the genre is alive and well. Modern artists like The Residents, with their bizarre costumes and avant-garde compositions, carry the torch of the absurd. And who can forget “Weird Al” Yankovic, the undisputed king of parody, blending humor and musical talent to create a unique and unforgettable sound?

Funny Facts and Musical Mayhem:

• The “Mumbo Jumbo” Band? Believe it or not, there was actually a band called “Mumbo Jumbo” that played funky and eclectic jazz in the 1970s.
• Satie’s Furniture? The “furniture music” of Erik Satie wasn’t just a joke – it was meant to be played quietly in the background, as unobtrusive as furniture.
• “Weird Al” Yankovic’s First Parody? His first successful parody wasn’t a song, but a polka medley of popular songs, “Eat It!”
• The Residents’ Secret? The Residents, a collective of musicians, have always kept their identities secret, adding to the mysterious and absurd nature of their performances.

So, next time you hear a song with nonsensical lyrics, a bizarre arrangement, or a playful sense of humor, remember, it’s just another manifestation of the timeless and hilarious spirit of mumbo jumbo.