Legend has it that, in the mid-sixties, James Brown's exposure to West African highlife musicians, such as Orlando Julius and Tony Allen, led him to transform his already potent brand of soul into a new music now referred to as funk. Likewise, during his 1969 trip to the United States, Fela Kuti's introduction to American funk and soul, in particular the Godfather's own music, compelled him to reshape his highlife jazz into a controversial new style he would call afrobeat.
Noticing this undeniable link, the Souljazz Orchestra thus decided to bridge the gap between the worlds of funk and afrobeat, all the while staying open to the exploration of related genres, from boogaloo to soul, from highlife to jazz. Combined with lyrics touching on politics and spirituality, the resulting music is raw and dirty groove like you've never heard before.

Artist's website

Also Performing: Agent Moosehead


Monday, February 20, 2012 | Doors 7 pm | Show 8 pm | Downstairs Live

Advance Tickets:
$13 + processing fees

Day of Show Tickets:
$15 + processing fees