NXNE Live: The Souljazz Orchestra GLADSTONE HOTEL - JUNE 9 It's nice to know that festivals like NXNE don't focus exclusively on one genre of music, but explore different sounds. Otherwise, ensembles like Ottawa's The Souljazz Orchestra wouldn't come to play, and that would be most unfortunate. 10 p.m., multi-venue, festival timeslots can be difficult spaces to fill. Some look at ten o'clock as a bit too early to let loose for the evening. However, the right band playing the right music can kick-start a great night. In the case of six-piece The Souljazz Orchestra — with their very distinct and very moveable take on soulful rhythms and gutsy, throaty vocals — this was the perfect time to kick off an important night with a bang, and they did. The house was filling as the band took the stage and they wasted no time getting into a groove. Featuring vocal contributions from all five male members and the lone female, and instrumental contributions of flute, keys, baritone, tenor, and alto saxophones, drum, and percussion, SJO turned the Gladstone into a smooth island getaway, creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. The contrast of sounds from the saxes, paired with the husky Latin-kissed female vocals and male accents sounded so, so sweet. As the evening progressed, and the audience became increasingly relaxed, the jazz and calypso rhythms shifted (appropriately) to a funkier vibe. These obviously well-trained musicians became more punchy and sassy as the night wore on and the music was eventually comparable to the kind you'd hear backing the vocals of Sly, or James (R.I.P.) — the ultra-funk hit with force and left you dizzy; a perfect way to kick off a Saturday night. Despite a short NXNE set, SJO managed to craft a set that forced people to get up and dance. Honestly, fighting the urge to move would have been like saying no to a million dollars. And after a start like that, how could you not have a great night out? Check these folks out sometime — you'll be down.