Review
First, I will admit I’m a sucker for live music. To me it is the true essence of a good band. No multiple takes, no erasing imperfections, and the ability of the band to take a song to another place. Having known the creator of the Soul Project, Jon Cristian Duque, since the band came up from New Orleans post Katrina and having stayed with one of the JSJBF’s members and biggest supporters, Dave and Inez Altemose, I have enjoyed their authentic NOLA sounds live many times in many variations. Since that first unplanned stay, it has been pretty much an annual visit to the Jersey Shore for the band, where they consistently pack local venues. The group has changed and grown over the years, with this version being the best to date.
That brings us to the port city of Drammen, Norway, where these songs were recorded live at a 2022 festival there. Let’s start with the current band. A disciple of Walter “Wolfman” Washington, Christian’s singing and guitar playing have matured over the years, with one constant being the NOLA funk which permeates the sound of the Soul Project. During the Pandemic, he teamed up with drummer Wayne Maureau, a long-time veteran of the New Orleans music scene as well as fifteen-year member of the Wolfman’s Roadmasters, and Grammy award winning bassist and vocalist, Wanda Jackson, which created the nucleus of the band we see today. Nin addition, Mikey “B3” Burkart {I don’t have to tell you what he plays), Jake Gold on keyboards, and Eric “Bernie” Bernhardt on Sax, round out the current group.
This live collection kicks off with one of Walter’s classics, “Funk Is In the House,” which gives the guitar, keys and sax all a chance to “get it out,” and if this tune doesn’t get you out of your seat, nothing will! They keep it in that groove with Cristian’s Wah-Wah drenched licks on their version of the Wolfman’s “Make It Funky”. After tipping their cap to Walter, they move into original territory with “What We Got,” which includes some great scatting over the funky beat, punctuated by a fun Honky Tonk piano and more great horn fills. Things slow down a bit with a beautiful instrumental version of Sly & the Family Stone’s “If You Want Me to Stay,” highlighted by Cristian’s heart-felt solo and Bernie’s soul-filled sax. Next is another staple in their live performances and a song I always look forward to hearing, “Someone Like You,” updated with some rhyming, Cristian’s signature guitar work, and a terrific piano solo which takes this version to another level. “On the Prowl” is another great instrumental that you just can’t sit still for. Cristian’s guitar riffs over some funky organ with Wanda’s driving bass and Wayne’s drums take this tune to a wolf howl ending. Up next, “Miss You Baby,” has that traditional NOLA beat but is done with some minor chords that give it a fresh twist, and the piano and organ fills certainly help, along with a healthy dose of Cristian’s funky guitar. They always do one of their best and most requested numbers, “Breakfast of Champions,” and here it fittingly, is the closer. With its infectious beat, it is a showcase for Cristian’s considerable guitar skills with the band lock step behind him. For anyone reading this, if you haven’t this band, your first listen won’t be your last! It’s a band at the height of their powers, and if you like the NOLA sound, you will love this collection.
Take a listen! https://soulprojectnola.com/album/2877572/live-from-norway