2013 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.