Canada’s powerhouse afro / latin / soul / jazz collective, The Souljazz
Orchestra, surface with a hard-hitting new album for Autumn 2015,
Resistance, resuming their link-up with Strut Records.

“We approached this album with a fresh ear,” explains bandleader Pierre
Chrétien. “We were keen to build on the band’s sound and message, bringing
in some of the French Caribbean and Francophone West African influences
that we’ve loved since our youth, so the new album brings in French language
tracks and elements of coupé-décalé, zouk and cadence to the overall mix.”
In keeping with the band’s previous work, the band keep powerful lyrics
at the heart of their music, delivering some biting social commentaries
alongside messages of hope. Storming opening track ‘Greet The Dawn’
heralds a better way of life for the downtrodden while the manic ‘Shock
And Awe’ celebrates people power with a wry reference to Bush-era military
tactics.

The Souljazz Orchestra remain one of the most solid units in their scene,
retaining their original line-up since they were first formed back in 2002.
On Resistance, they showcase their continuing versatility with saxman Ray
Murray, percussionist Marielle Rivard, drummer Philippe Lafrenière and
keyboardist Pierre Chrétien all taking on lead vocal duties on different tracks.
“We originally started out as an instrumental band,” reflects Chrétien, “so
this is actually our first all vocal album, a big step forward for us.” Chrétien
himself also contributes the superb front cover artwork to the album, “I was
inspired by the bold, stark, streamlined look of works by artists like Saul
Bass, Emory Douglas, or Cuban poster designers – I love how they manage to
maximize impact with a minimal amount of strokes and colours.”