Free Souls

Released in 2014, Free Souls is Nicola Conte's definitive statement on the intersection of spiritual jazz, soul, and modal improvisation. Moving away from the acid jazz and lounge associations of his earlier work, Conte assembled a world-class ensemble to record what is arguably his most mature and cohesive project. The album features a heavy emphasis on analog recording techniques, capturing the rich harmonics of the upright bass and the breathy textures of the woodwinds. Lyrically and thematically, the record explores themes of nature, spirituality, and inner peace, heavily influenced by the civil rights-era jazz of the late 60s. The inclusion of high-profile vocalists like Gregory Porter and José James helped the album bridge the gap between traditional jazz purists and the modern soul audience. Critics praised the album for its authenticity and its ability to evoke a vintage era without feeling like a mere pastiche, cementing Conte's reputation as a master of sophisticated, global jazz curation.