On September 7, 2001 I was once again mesmerized by
the sounds of the Motet, a truly
inventive and ingenious
band. They call their brand of music "Electric
Americubafrican
Groove" and
it is just that. Although it touches on the American
sounds of New
Orleans
funk and jazz, it also takes you to a different
culture, the cultures
of
Cuban and African percussion.

The Motet currently consists of Dave Watts on drums,
Scott Messersmith
on
percussion, Jans Ingber on lead vocals and percussion,
Michael Tiernan
on
guitar, Matthew Spencer on bass, and Greg Raymond on
keyboards. But on
the
bands first song, "Aqulle Esquina." the entire band
came out playing
all
kinds of percussion instruments. Besides the overall sound of the Motet, their
ability to all
break
out in a percussion jam is something that makes them
unique and a
musical
force to be reckoned with. From that they flow into
the jam of "Diena
Na
Farawe" an African influenced song with Jans Ingber's
soulful voice
leading
the tribe.

An exceptional aspect of the Motet is their
rhythm sections.
While
most bands are lead by guitar or keys, the Motet is
lead by percussion
and
rhythm. This night was no exception to this
phenomenon. Dave Watts
sat
behind the kit leading the band into all their
percussive journeys,
while
Scott Messersmith rounded Watts out on all kinds of
percussion
instruments.

Adding to the ambiance of the show was their
exceptional surroundings.
The Boulder Theater is one of Colorado's most historic theatres complete
with huge wall
murals
and an incredible balcony. The Motet has played here
often and seems
at
home on its stage. The stage was decked out with
greenery, wall
tapestries
and a huge hanging behind the band, making the show
pretty on your
eyes.
The sound of the room was exceptional as always, with
no interruptions
and
clearly harmonic balances. Everything was perfect at
this show.

I'll be honest, it was hard for me to provide details from the show because it flowed so well and I was drawn into the vigorous energy of the
music. In addition to the percussive energy, guitarist Michael Tiernan offers a unique blend of jazz riffs, Cuban rhythms, and blues heart. The newest member of the band, keyboardist Greg Raymond contributed speedy licks and soulful fillers. Sadly this show was the last for bassist Matthew Spenser who will be leaving the band to pursue other ventures. Still, above all else, in a world
where
many musicians just follow the norm and don't branch
out and do
anything
inventive, the Motet is a fresh breath of air.