(September 15, 2023) Since the beginnings of Motown and soul music, our neighbors up north in Canada were some of the first audiences outside of the USA to groove to the sounds of R&B and funk. Ontario-based radio stations like CKLW-AM in Windsor and Toronto’s CHUM-FM were known to “break” (be the first to play) soul releases even before outlets in the states got a chance to take the promo records out of their sleeves.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Ottawa-based THE COMMOTIONS, a twelve-piece band of sisters and brothers, are inspired by R&B in a big way. Led by musical director Brian Asselin (tenor sax), the collective is blazing down the path with a funk/R&B/jazz sound they call “soulicious.” First known as Delbert & the Commotions, the band now boasts of three lead singers – Rebecca Noelle, Jeff Rogers, and Mackenzie Di Millo – and a killer rhythm/horn section with Mike Lett (Tenor Saxophone), Caelan Roberge-Toll (Bari Saxophone), Trumpet players Ed Lister and Eric Littlewood, as well as drummer Jeff Asselin, bassist Ken Seeley, keyboardist, Deniz Lim-Sersan and guitarist David Gaw.
From their upcoming third album, Volume 3, comes that release’s first single, “Feel The Commotion.” Jumping off in high gear from the start with Jeff Asselin’s funky drumming as the anchor, the rhythm section comes in, then the horns and strings swoop in. Co-writer Rebecca Noelle’s lead vocals commands the receiver of the message to let the music take over your mind, body, soul and have a good time.
I like a solid song with lyrics that make the point straight, no chaser then heads home – thus prompting a repeat listen. The Commotions did just that with “Feel The Commotion” – a single worthy of many spins. Looking forward to the band’s album release in October. Well done, Commotions.
By Kevin Goins
The Commotions – “Feel The Commotion”
