The Motet

Drummer Dave Watts orchestrates this Boulder-based, Latin-influenced Jazz-Funk group. Their album Play reveals a mix of soul and tribal percussion and doesn't emulate the loose funk groove playing of their live performances. The group jumps between vocal tracks that border on R&B to instrumental jams that echo James Brown and Maceo Parker. The contrast can be awkward, though their tight jazz chops will keep you listening. They have been known to perform conceptual shows such as a Halloween gig where they wore the "musical costume" of Herbie Hancock and played classics including "Watermelon Man" and "Hang Up Your Hangups."