After immersing themselves in current events and issues, the Souljazz Orchestra bring Chaos Theories to a contemplative close with “Well Runs Dry”, a lovely and expansive ballad that gives them one more chance to stretch out musically.
The Souljazz Orchestra ponder and protest current economic realities with the reggae-inflected “General Strike” and “Slumlord”. The band concludes that when you’re playing war games, everyone is a loser, but of course, Matthew Broderick’s computer told us this back in 1983. “Sky High”, with even more disco inclinations than “House of Cards”, returns the band to the dance floor, while “War Games” channels Style Council and the Police with a catchy tune that is ultimately employed to list those countries that currently possess nuclear weapons.
Musically, “House of Cards” is a tasty fusion of Chic and Sandinista-era Clash. Lyrically, the song is an oblique commentary on the Trump administration. “House of Cards”, the next track, is even better. While the lyrics might be considered heavy-handed by some, the band’s conviction can’t be denied. Led by keyboardist/percussion/singer Pierre Chrétien, the Souljazz Orchestra includes Philippe Lafrenière (drums, percussion, vocals) Marielle Rivard (percussion, vocals) Ray Murray (baritone saxophone, percussion, vocals) Steve Patterson (tenor saxophone, percussion, vocals) and Zakari Frantz (alto saxophone, percussion, vocals).įollowing an opening instrumental, “Charlie Foxtrot”, the Souljazz Orchestra gets down to lyrical business with the topical “Police the Police”, inspired by the 2016 death of Abdirahman Abdi, a Somali-Canadian. The band also continue their tradition of outspoken political commentary throughout the album. The band may mention soul and jazz in its name, but on their new album, Chaos Theories, the Souljazz Orchestra reveal themselves to be well-versed in the sounds of reggae, ska, disco, and punk, along with a little bit of both jazz and soul. Formed in 2002 in Ottawa, Canada, the Souljazz Orchestra have been releasing a series of genre-defying albums and touring throughout the world ever since.
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