Growing out of a series of productive jam sessions in downtown Ottawa, the Souljazz Orchestra was founded in 2002. The jazz-R&B-African-Latin outfit's hyphenated identity is as diverse as its multi-cultural members. It's not surprising, then, that the ensemble has shared the stage with everyone from Nigerian afro-beat heir Femi Kuti to legendary American songstress Etta James. Their second album, Freedom No Go Die, featured the vocal stylings of Rwandan/Burundian musician Mighty Popo. Manifesto, the 2008 follow-up, showcased the band's inimitable blend of spiritual jazz and sultry funk, earning it a spot on several top ten lists of that year. Solidarity was released in 2012.