Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
A funky slice of tropical funk that ticks all the right boxes
Strut Records
Released: 4.9.15
More information on Souljazz Orchestra’s official website
With more than a hint of Afrobeat, this funky tropadelic album ticks all the boxes necessary to oil every joint in this ageing body of mine. Infectiously kinetic, the big phat orchestra sound is easily achieved with a horn section featuring every sax under the sun, percussion aplenty and authentic vintage keyboard sounds. Strut Records have played a blinder signing this magnificent Canadian band and the album is an absolute triumph. At times sounding like Fela Kuti’s Egypt 80 and at others like anything from the JBs to Jimmy Cliff, Souljazz Orchestra manage to retain their own sound. The lyrics are socially conscious and simultaneously uplifting, although at times a French A Level would be useful. Their own track names sum them up nicely: Shock & Awe and Bullseye.
