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THE MOTET


BIO:
2012 brings a new sound to a familiar face in the national music community. With an astonishingly talented cast of musicians, The Motet has refined their sound and their vision into a dynamic and expressive improvisational force. Founded and led by drummer Dave Watts, the group began over ten years ago and hasn’t let up since. Featuring complex compositions written and arranged by Watts himself, the music tells a story through syncopated rhythms and melodies. As music and technology evolve at an astounding rate, so too has The Motet pioneered their unique sound while continuing to defy categorization. With roots in Jazz, Afrobeat, Funk, Salsa and Samba, The Motet keeps their audiences in a dancing frenzy by layering House and Techno rhythms into a style that is uniquely their own. With its 6th release, Dig Deep, The Motet once again proves that it is a group committed to exploring and pushing the sonic envelope, while still remaining dedicated to the musical traditions that have defined their sound. A heavy-horned Afrobeat influence countered with a textural blanket of Electronica, this album showcases the talents and strengths of the cast of characters that drummer and producer Dave Watts has assembled. Keyboardist Joey Porter lays down the funk under the coursing melodies of saxophonist Dominic Lalli in pure Motet fashion, with the ever driving beats of Watts' masterful rhythmic production pushing the music through sonic peaks and valleys that tantalize and invigorate listeners. If you've loved The Motet for years or are just tuning in, listen up. You won't be disappointed. From years of incessant touring and with a rich legacy under their belt, The Motet’s “resolve to evolve” has made them indispensable in the East and West Coast groove circuits. Writes Dave Kirby of Boulder Magazine: “Watts' dedication and artistic integrity have created an elusive musical entity which seems to be as much fun to play in as it is to go out and hear.” The Motet is a world-class ensemble that whips audiences into a whirlwind using sheer impromptu force. The rhythms are spontaneous and textured and the beats are hard driving. The band uses this energy to create a rapport between the audience and themselves that is rarely seen in today's world of manufactured rock. The Motet consecrates the ground on which dance music meets free-form improvisation.

Latest Articles


Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano to Release Album by Composer Stradella Mot Photo Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano to Release Album by Composer Stradella Mottetti
by Josh Sharpe - May 23, 2024

Rinaldo Alessandrini and Concerto Italiano continue their exploration of 17th century Italian motets with a new disc of works by composer Alessandro Stradella (1643-1682), out on Naïve Classiques on June 21, 2024. The album includes Stradella’s Symphonias in D Major and F Major. Except for Stradella...

Flamingosis Drops 'Nebula Gazer' Single And Animated Visualizer By Space Dawg Photo Flamingosis Drops 'Nebula Gazer' Single And Animated Visualizer By Space Dawg
by Michael Major - March 14, 2024

Discover the latest single 'Nebula Gazer' by Flamingosis, complete with an animated visualizer by Space Dawg. “Nebula Gazer”--out now, March 14 accompanied by an animated visualizer by Space Dawg–hinges on a clean funk riff and foot-stomping bass. Built around a core synth line, successive solos swi...

Grace Jones to Headline Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City Photo Grace Jones to Headline Blue Note Jazz Festival in New York City
by Michael Major - March 14, 2023

The lineup includes Grace Jones, Pat Metheny, NxWorries (Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge,) Robert Glasper, BJ The Chicago Kid and Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers, as well as a stop on legendary blues guitarist and singer Buddy Guy’s Damn Right Farewell tour. Check out the complete list of artists now!...

Funk, Jazz & Soul Quintet The Motet Drop Instrumental LP Single 'Draccus' Photo Funk, Jazz & Soul Quintet The Motet Drop Instrumental LP Single 'Draccus'
by Michael Major - December 30, 2022

But even after their 20+ years of accolades and recognition, the legendary outfit - composed of Dave Watts (drums), Joey Porter (keys), Garrett Sayers (bass), Drew Sayers (keys and saxophone), and Ryan Jalbert (guitar) - are still exploring new sonic and thematic ideas. Plus, check out upcoming tour...

G. Finesse Taps Harry Styles' Live Band Trumpeter for 'Keep the Fame' Photo G. Finesse Taps Harry Styles' Live Band Trumpeter for 'Keep the Fame'
by Michael Major - November 15, 2022

“Keep The Fame” is a musical triumph, featuring luminescent live instrumentation from Pretty Lights Live Band and Break Science keyboardist Borahm Lee, Harry Styles trumpeter Parris Fleming, and Tauk drummer Isaac Teel....

Sneezy Releases New Single 'Not Sorry' Photo Sneezy Releases New Single 'Not Sorry'
by Michael Major - September 03, 2021

Sneezy is a Chicago-based band that blends Rock, Soul, Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B influences into their own unique sound....

Sneezy Announces New Album 'Open Doors' Photo Sneezy Announces New Album 'Open Doors'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 23, 2021

Created during the Covid-19 pandemic hiatus from live shows, the album is a testament to the power of music and friendship....

Honey Made Announces New Album 'Brand New' Photo Honey Made Announces New Album 'Brand New'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - October 15, 2020

The Austin based funk and soul band Honey Made follows up their recent EP, Couple Few, with their debut studio full length album Brand New....

Justice Comes Alive Raises $55,000 for the Plus1 For Black Lives Fund with Virtual Mu Photo Justice Comes Alive Raises $55,000 for the Plus1 For Black Lives Fund with Virtual Music Festival
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 01, 2020

The live music community came together to raise funds and awareness for racial equality with the new one-day, donation-based virtual event, Justice Comes Alive....

Inaugural Quarantine Comes Alive Raises Over $150K Photo Inaugural Quarantine Comes Alive Raises Over $150K
by Kaitlin Milligan - June 01, 2020

This past Saturday, May 30th, the organizers behind Brooklyn Comes Alive and Denver Comes Alive held a one-day virtual music marathon fittingly branded as Quarantine Comes Alive....

Live For Live Music,Nugs.TV and PLUS1, Present a Virtual Music Festival, 'Quarantine Photo Live For Live Music,Nugs.TV and PLUS1, Present a Virtual Music Festival, 'Quarantine Comes Alive'
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 20, 2020

On Saturday, May 30th,  Live For Live Music, in partnership with Nugs.TV and PLUS1, presents a one-day virtual music festival—Quarantine Comes Alive....

Kyle Hollingsworth Releases New EP '2020' Photo Kyle Hollingsworth Releases New EP '2020'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - February 28, 2020

Kyle Hollingsworth has released his new EP titled 2020....

Kyle Hollingsworth Releases New EP '2020' Photo Kyle Hollingsworth Releases New EP '2020'
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 28, 2020

Kyle Hollingsworth has released his new EP titled 2020. ...

Lettuce Announces New Studio Album RESONATE Photo Lettuce Announces New Studio Album RESONATE
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 19, 2020

As the follow up to their 2019 GRAMMY® Award-nominated album Elevate, genre-defying funk-jazz-soul-hip-hop-psychedelic-jam-rock-experimental music titans LETTUCE have announced their seventh studio album, Resonate, will be coming this spring. Set for release on Friday, May 8th via Round Hill Records...

ALO to Head Out on the 'Tour D'Amour XIV' Photo ALO to Head Out on the 'Tour D'Amour XIV'
by Kaitlin Milligan - February 05, 2020

California funk n' roll outfit ALO will be heading out on the road this week on Tour D'Amour XIV  that will see the band traverse the west coast accompanied by friends such as Twiddle, The Motet, Leftover Salmon and Ben Morrison from Brothers Comatose.  Following Tour D'Amour the band heads to the E...

Brooklyn Comes Alive Reveals Artists, Unique Collaborations, And Tribute Sets For 202 Photo Brooklyn Comes Alive Reveals Artists, Unique Collaborations, And Tribute Sets For 2020 Event
by Kaitlin Milligan - January 06, 2020

Brooklyn Comes Alive has announced its return in 2020! The beloved all-day music marathon is back for its fifth edition and will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at the versatile multi-stage complex Avant Gardner. Inspired by the vibrant musical communities of Brooklyn and New Orleans, the ev...

Electric Kif to Play Rockwood Music Hall Oct. 7 Photo Electric Kif to Play Rockwood Music Hall Oct. 7
by Abigail Charpentier - September 23, 2019

Electric Kif are a Miami-based power quartet that explore the boundaries between rock, jazz fusion and electronic drum & bass. Made up of bassist Rodrigo Zambrano, keyboardist Jason Matthews, drummer Armando Lopez and guitarist Eric Escanes, the “Kif” describe their music as “post-nuclear,” a dynami...

New Orleans Edition Of The Funk Sessions To Take Place Between Jazz Fest Weekends Photo New Orleans Edition Of The Funk Sessions To Take Place Between Jazz Fest Weekends
by A.A. Cristi - April 08, 2019

Live For Live Music's The Funk Sessions is headed to New Orleans! The monthly residency, which typically takes place at Cervantes' Other Side in Denver, CO, will make its way to Frenchmen Street for a special edition of the event during the daze between Jazz Fest weekends. This version of The Funk S...

The Big Melt Taps Major Artists, Supergroups For Inaugural One-Day Event In Denver Photo The Big Melt Taps Major Artists, Supergroups For Inaugural One-Day Event In Denver
by Tori Hartshorn - January 28, 2019

The Big Melt, a brand-new multi-band concert event, will take place on Saturday, April 13th at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, CO. The exciting new venture will see a massive list of artists from bands such as The String Cheese Incident, Lettuce, Big Gigantic, Thievery Corporation, Brazilian Girl...

Brooklyn Comes Alive Releases 2018 Schedule Photo Brooklyn Comes Alive Releases 2018 Schedule
by Kaitlin Milligan - September 19, 2018

The festivities for Brooklyn Comes Alive's fourth installment are right around the corner, and today, the festival is excited to release the daily schedule of events taking place at Brooklyn Bowl, Music Hall of Williamsburg and Rough Trade on September 29th....

Brooklyn Comes Alive Announces 2018 Band & Artist Lineup Photo Brooklyn Comes Alive Announces 2018 Band & Artist Lineup
by Macon Prickett - June 20, 2018

Last week, the fourth annual Brooklyn Comes Alive announced their September 29th return to Brooklyn's beloved Williamsburg neighborhood for a music marathon takeover at Brooklyn Bowl, Music Hall of Williamsburg and the latest addition, Rough Trade. Today, the one-of-a-kind festival lineup was reveal...

THE SUFFERS Announce Upcoming Album EVERYTHING HERE Out 7/13 Photo THE SUFFERS Announce Upcoming Album EVERYTHING HERE Out 7/13
by Macon Prickett - March 20, 2018

Houston's award-winning 8-piece ensemble The Suffers, have announced their sophomore full-length album, Everything Here, which is set to release on July 13, 2018. Co-produced by The Suffers, Zeke Listenbee, and John Allen Stephens, the album includes special guests such as Bun B and Paul Wall, along...

Motet, Snarky Puppy, & Lettuce Members To Pay Tribute To Herbie Hancock During Jazz F Photo Motet, Snarky Puppy, & Lettuce Members To Pay Tribute To Herbie Hancock During Jazz Fest
by Macon Prickett - February 20, 2018

Over the years, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has evolved into a multi-genre celebration of contemporary live music. However, at its core, the festival–and the various satellite events that take place across the city during the eleven-day musical marathon–is still centered around a love and a...

Eric Krasno, Duane Trucks, Dave Schools, John Medeski And More Team Up For DAZE BETWE Photo Eric Krasno, Duane Trucks, Dave Schools, John Medeski And More Team Up For DAZE BETWEEN Jazz Fest Shows
by Macon Prickett - February 16, 2018

Eric Krasno is bringing The Daze Between Band back to New Orleans, and this year, the virtuosic guitar player from Soulive and Lettuce has prepared not one but two special nights during Jazz Fest. For the two-night run, Krasno has put together an impressive all-star cast featuring members of Widespr...

Kyle Hollingsworth Announces New Solo Album '50' Out 3/2 Photo Kyle Hollingsworth Announces New Solo Album '50' Out 3/2
by Tori Hartshorn - January 25, 2018

Today, acclaimed keyboardist and composer Kyle Hollingsworth (The String Cheese Incident) announces the release of his fourth solo studio album, 50, on March 2nd, 2018 via SCI Fidelity. In celebration of the album release and Hollingsworth's 50th birthday, Hollingsworth has announced a run of album ...












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