The Souljazz Orchestra
Solidarity
Release Date: Sep 18, 2012
Genre(s): Jazz, Latin, International, African Traditions, Afro-beat, Jazz-Funk, Afro-Brazilian, African Jazz, Continental Jazz, Cuban Traditions, Afro-Cuban, Salsa
Record label: Strut
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Album Review: Solidarity by The Souljazz Orchestra
Excellent, Based on 2 Critics
Based on rating 8/10
Canada's Souljazz Orchestra were well-known to European audiences before their 2010 Strut debut, Rising Sun; it was the sextet's first all-acoustic effort. Meeting with nearly universal acclaim, it spread the sextet's well-deserved reputation for creating a musically adventurous meld of global styles, accurately reflecting roots cultures in dialogue with one another in the 21st century -- without watering them down. Solidarity furthers the band's reach as it employs vocal talents from a wide range of singers from Canada's vast underground music scene.
Based on rating 8/10
Not to be confused with the disco-era Salsoul Orchestra, the Souljazz Orchestra is one of those horny dance bands that are springing up around the world, paying tribute to crate-dug genres like salsa, reggae, and Afrobeat by replicating them faithfully or mixing them all together. They’re based in Ottawa, though Brooklyn would probably give them tax breaks and a ticker tape parade if they decided to immigrate. The first thing you notice about their fifth album Solidarity is its sound: warm and dark, musty and fusty.
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