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When a band is
called The Souljazz Orchestra, there is a certain
expectation to uphold that name and to provide a sound
that accompanies such a title; this band accomplishes just
that and more. Hailing from Ottawa, The Souljazz
Orchestra combine jazz, funk, African and Latin music
while touching on politics and spirituality. Think -
James Brown meets up with Tito Puente and they
all hook up to jam at Fela Kuti's house.
Their
versatile sound is in part due to the diverse musical
backgrounds of the band's individual members: jazz, funk,
blues, reggae, classical, and traditional Cuban, Brazilian
and West African percussion. The Souljazz Orchestra are
known for their captivating live shows and have
collaborated with notable artists such as Beautiful
Nubia and Mighty Popo and have opened up for
Etta James, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Big Bad
Voodoo Daddy and more.
With one
critically acclaimed album under their belt, the Souljazz
Orchestra are back with their second album Freedom No
Go Die, this high-energy release focuses mainly on
afro beat music and features the vocals of Mighty Popo,
Alanna Stuart and Marielle Rivard. The album is
already creating a buzz on the dancefloor jazz scene and
receiving worldwide attention. But it's the track 'Mista
President' that is blowing up the spot! The single has
been getting mad support and airplay by the likes of
Gilles Peterson, Spiritual South and Dom Servini.
With its raw blaring horns, dusty keyboards, storming
percussion and conscious lyrics it's no surprise this
funky, up-tempo afro beat killer was voted the number 9
'Track of the year 2006' on the Gilles Peterson's
"Worldwide" radio show on BBC Radio One, before
its official release on Do Right Music
"A marching groove, Bush-baiting chants and firing horns evoke not only the spirit of a certain Mr Anikulapo-Kuti, but also a packed Shrine going nuts. Amazing stuff" 5/5 IDJ Magazine
The Souljazz Orchestra:
Steve Patterson - tenor sax
Zakari Frantz - alto sax, soprano sax, flute
Pierre Chretien - electric piano, organ, clavinet,
analog synth
Phil Lafreniere - drums, percussion
Ray Murray - alto sax, baritone sax
official website:
www.souljazzorchestra.com
myspace:
www.myspace.com/souljazzorchestra.com
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