Bringing on Rebecca Noelle’s three octave vocal range paired with the power chops belonging to singer Jeff Rogers was only the beginning. The band would come to be filled with seasoned session musicians and songwriters set to pulse pump the tempo into the stratosphere on the group’s second album, aptly titled Volume II (recorded with Canadian soul hero Jarvis Church of The Philosopher Kings).
“Each musician in the group adds another element of awesomeness. The sound of The Commotions comes from the musicians who bring the heart and soul to each and every song. The songs change over time and with all the talent there is in the band, the songs always change for the better,” says Asselin, who adds that Soul music is the music of the people. The band he has put together is trying to ignite that fire originally sparked by Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and The Temptations.
Co-writing tunes with Rogers, Noelle, guitarist David Gaw, and bassist Alex Mastronardi, Asselin has found his perfect mix in and outside of the recording studio. For The Commotions, the exhilarating live show is equally as important and the band has been thrilling crowds on the festival circuit for the last few years. The Ottawa Jazz Festival, Stewart Park Festival, Kemptville Live Music Festival, Summerfolk and the Orangeville Blues Festival are just some of the spots were crowds were left in a sweaty mess after the funk washed over them. The band thrives on the big stages and with 11 members they need the room. Of course, the expanded dance floor often offered by festival settings ensures their audience has the space to party.
“We get our energy feeding off of our audience. If they are dancing to our music then we are dancing. Seeing a crowd’s response is one of the biggest joys I get out of The Commotions,” beams Asselin. “There are so many elements that have to come together to make each and every show possible. Each and every member of the band has to deliver. I am proud to say that we work hard at delivering the best show we can every time we walk on the stage.”
