Primeval forest elements underline in the series “African Soul” the experience of music as an expression of a body – and life – feeling rooted in nature. The sound of tropical rhythms, plants, animals, musicians and their instruments merge into a unified, intertwined jungle world. 

Many first impressions of this series of works were gained by travelling to Africa in his own VW bus and of course, by visiting many live music concerts. Tabatt captures the atmosphere of smoky jazz clubs and exuberant street scenes in his pictures, sometimes bringing them very close to the eye of the viewer, or by choosing special details, external image forms and perspectives. 

He pays particular attention to the presentation of the instruments, expressing his admiration for the craftsmanship and dexterity required to make them sound. It is also the enviable gift of being able to retain virtuosity and the joy of making music into old age while remaining seemingly young.

Music is something that fascinates the artist, especially when it is played live. The special atmosphere of the place where music is created, the interaction of the musicians and the visible effect of jazzy grooves and sounds of the audience are what inspired him to create his series „African Soul”.

He takes the touch of music literally, extends the wind funnels of the instruments to lasso-like structures that play around and caress the bodies of the dancers. In the pictures named with Afro-Latin rhythms such as „Samba Grazile”, Uwe Tabatt uses elements of the jungle to enhance the experience of music as an expression of a body and attitude to life rooted in harmony with nature. In the “Sound of tropical rhythms” plants, animals, musicians and their instruments grow together like a dream to form an intricate jungle world.