Album Notes

Building on the success of their previous effort, \"Freedom No Go Die\", the SJO has upped the ante with this latest album. \"Manifesto\" reflects the various influences picked up from the band´s travels across the globe, making for a uniquely rich array of sounds. Their powerful chants, majestic brass, overheated organs, chicken-scratch guitars, hypnotic bass and poly-rhythmic percussion work mix tropical funk and spiritual jazz to the band´s signature militant afrobeat. The Souljazz Orchestra also cast their net wider with this latest effort, delving into the traditions of ancient folk tales and spirituality, while keeping their message politically conscious.

Now in their 7th year as a band, the multicultural collective from Ottawa has had the honour of sharing the stage with the likes of Femi Kuti, Etta James and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. They have performed to crowds in venues around the globe, including France, England, Scotland, Denmark, Austria, Hungary and the United States. \"Manifesto\" is the fruit of the Souljazz Orchestra´s relentless touring, containing songs that have developed organically over the course of hundreds of live performances.