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When rhythm meets soul

KIMBERLY NICOLETTIsummit daily news
Special to the DailyThe Motet's signature blend of Afro-Cuban, Latin, funk and jazz beats flood the Goat in Keystone Tuesday.
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BRECKENRIDGE – When rhythm meets soul: It’s the definition of music, and the Motet embodies it.The Motet is one of the few bands that depends on its drummer, Dave Watts, to compose the music. Watts infuses his compositions with eclectic rhythms: Afro-Cuban, Latin, funk and jazz.

Improvisation flavored with folkloric Cuban tunes and frenzied samba rhythms make the Motet one of those hypnotically danceable bands, but Watts doesn’t take the jam too far.Although he has thrived on erasing boundaries when it comes to music, in the past couple of years, he has striven to create a distinct sound known as the Motet.”No matter where we’ve gone, we’ve always made the groove a priority,” he said. “We’re more about an audience dancing. It’s a drummer’s group, so that’s the roots of what we do. It’s groove music.”

Even though the players tend to change – Watts calls the Motet less of a band and more of a community at this point – the band roots its sound in strong, rhythmic playing.”I think in terms of performing the music when I write,” Watts said. “I’m always thinking of the energy of the song and how it will affect people’s dancing.”



Currently, the Motet lets loose with a focus on Afro-Beat, a genre inspired by Fela Kuti. The instrumental grooves combine funk, jazz and African rhythms to awaken the soul.It’s latest album, “Music for Life,” bares witness to its commitment to enliven listeners with its catchy and often hypnotic beats.You can get a taste of the Motet Tuesday at the Goat in Keystone. The show starts at 9:30 p.m.


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