Canadian Soul-Funk collective, The Commotions, Release Feel the Commotion from New Album

Canadian Soul-Funk collective, The Commotions, are an all original 12-piece Motown-to-Disco era band that has brought the exquisite grooves from the famed Motor City all the way across the border. Celebrating their first decade as a band, founder Brian Asselin created the collective after spending six years with legendary musical group, The Funk Brothers; the exceptional session musicians who performed on the vast majority of Motown recordings. Known at the time as Delbert & The Commotions, the group's lead vocalist, Delbert Nelson, was also a Motown collaborator, leading The Funk Brothers on vocals in "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", a multi-award-winning documentary film about the world’s most recognizable record label. Today, the band features all professionally trained Jazz musicians, including three lead vocalists and a five-piece horn section.

Featuring Asselin on saxophone, Rebecca Noelle (The Jacksons, runner up on La Voix), Ed Lister (Jann Arden, The Temptations), and Jeff Rogers (Horojo Trio) to name a few, the soon to be released third album from The Commotions features collaborations with some of the most brilliant names in Funk and Soul, including Dave Eskridge (Tower of Power), Philip Lassiter (Prince, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin), and Mark Ferguson (Ella Fitzgerald, Holly Cole). The band is gearing up to release their first single of 2023 titled "Feel The Commotion", a celebratory call to dance, have fun, and live in the moment on Friday, August 25 2023.

"Feel The Commotion" was written by Brian Asselin, Alex Mastronardi, and Rebecca Noelle, with the exceptional string arrangement by Mark Ferguson. The track was recorded at Alex Mastronardi's studio in Ottawa, ON.

Funky, vibrant, and dripping with soul, "Feel The Commotion" is a feel-good groove that serves as an invitation to live in the moment and have fun. With its retro-rhythm, full bodied funk from the five artist strong horn section, and soulful vocals, the song glistens like the rooms it's designed to be played in. Created with the dance floor in mind, the track comes with a nearly preset, imaginative vision of clubs and events in the 70's and early 80's, filled with people putting their worries aside and dancing to the music. "Feel The Commotion" offers stunning interplay between instruments, where the professionally trained, seasoned musicians who make up The Commotions showcase their exceptional talents. The fun-loving tune was initially inspired by British Funk-star Jamiroquai, and incorporates the band's love for Earth, Wind, and Fire, Prince, and the Motown to Disco era that inspires The Commotions expertly crafted sound.

"Feel The Commotion" is The Commotions first single off of their forthcoming album, Volume III, set for release in October 2023.

“Feel the Commotion” is a lesson on letting the rhythm move you, an essential track for anyone looking to get all funked up." - The Commotions

They’re hot, sizzling, fun and funky. In the great tradition of Motown, show stopping Ottawa 12-piece The Commotions, consisting of three lead vocalists and five horn players, create original 70s-inspired soul songs with a nod to Tower of Power, Chicago and the Supremes, all the way up to current pop chart-toppers Bruno Mars and Michael Bublé. Assembled and conceived by musical director and tenor saxophonist Brian Asselin, a one-time member of Detroit legends The Funk Brothers, the Commotion’s third album, appropriately titled Volume 3 (out Oct. 20), is the one destined to expand their career across Canada and beyond.

Brian started The Commotions in 2013 after touring on and off with the legendary Funk Brothers for six years. “Every time I came off those tours, and I was like, “I can take a stab at this because I used to write pop music,’” says Brian, who composes on piano and sings the melodies, before taking them to “real vocalists.” The group was originally called Delbert & The Commotions, fronted by Delbert Nelson, vocalist with The Funk Brothers, known for his inclusion in the award- winning 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown. “Recording with him was definitely the highlight,” says Brian of their 2013 album Let Me See Ya Dance. With the 2017 follow-up, Volume II, Rebecca was brought in to front the group, and The Commotions landed gigs at Ontario music festivals, including Summerfolk, Ottawa Blues Festival and Orangeville Jazz and Blues Festival, along with coverage and airplay on CBC radio.

The lineup — comprised entirely of jazz musicians — still includes original members Rebecca, David, Brian and his twin brother Jeff on drums, and bassist Ken Seeley, but it’s not easy keeping a 12-piece group together. “It's really difficult even to get a rehearsal in.,” he laughs. “I book them a month and a half in advance.” Rounding out the lineup are trumpet players Ed Lister and Eric Littlewood; tenor saxophonist Mike Lett, baritone saxophonist Caelan Roberge-Toll and keyboardist Deniz Lim-Sersan.

“My goal for this record is to put The Commotions on the map in terms of soul music in Canada and the States,” says Brian. “This is definitely our strongest record to date. I think it shows what we are capable of. We shine on a live stage, and I'm really hoping that this record can help secure some more festival spots next summer. I'd love for the band to be on the road a little bit across Canada. And maybe even if I can make it happen in the States.”