Saturday 5 July at 24.00 
CD Club

Souljazz Orchestra

Canada

An Explosion of Afrobeat and Latin Music 

Pierre Chrétien, vintage keyboards, percussion, vocals; Marielle Rivard, percussion, vocals; Steve Patterson, tenor saxophone, percussion, vocals; Ray Murray, baritone saxophone, percussion, vocals; Zakari Frantz, alto saxophone, flute, percussion, vocals; Philippe Lafrenière, drums, percussion, vocals

The miniature Canadian big band dexterously and seamlessly blends engaged and multifaceted African rhythms (Afrobeat, highlife, Ethiopian groove) and South American vibes (rumba, samba, salsa, mambo), backed by effectively administered portions of spiritual jazz, soul and funk. Founded in 2002, Souljazz attained widespread recognition when an influential English radio host, Gilles Peterson, nominated the Orchestra’s single, Mista President, as one of his top ten tracks of 2006. While their current album, Inner Fire, has topped the independent as well as mainstream charts in Canada and internationally, their fiery, spirited concerts tend to sell out well in advance.

“For all the diverse influences at work, the SJO deliver fundamental Afro-jazz with a big funky soul. And it’s marvellous.” (Mark Sampson, Songlines)

We would like to acknowledge funding support from the Ontario Arts Council, an agency of the Government of Ontario.

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