They’re hot, sizzling, fun and funky. In the great tradition of Motown, showstopping Ottawa 12-piece The Commotions, consisting of three lead vocalists and five horn players, create original ?Os-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 Buble.

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 destinated to expand their career across Canada and beyond.

From the groovy lead track and first single “Feel The Commotion” to happy sitcom-sound of “Love In The Fast Lane,” rockin’ funk of “Backseat Love” and impassioned duet “Where Does The Love Go?” -plus a re-recording of their 2020 signature song, “New Suit” -the snazzy ensemble is a blast from the past with a look to dancefloor’ s future.

“Typically, we’re writing pop tunes. That’s what Motown is, pop tunes with a jazz element,” says Brian, who co-wrote and produced most of the songs on Volume 3 with his childhood friends Alex Mastronardi and the band’s co-vocalist Jeff Rogers. The Commotions’ Rebecca Noelle (lead vocals); newest member Mackenzie Di Millo (lead vocals), who joined in 2018; and David Gaw (guitar) also have writing credits.

Songs were arranged by Dave Eskridge (Tower of Power), Philip Lassiter (Prince, Jill Scott, Kirk Franklin, Timbaland), and Michael B. Nelson (Prince, Cory Wong), and Mark Ferguson (Ella Fitzgerald, Holly Cole, Manteca) did the string arrangements.

“The first single is one of our funkier tunes, inspired by Jamiroquai, which brought the funk and jazz elements to pop music in the 90s,” says Brian. “The whole vibe is set in a club setting. It’s a party track, a dancing track supposed to get you up and moving. The whole record starts with this epic introduction to the rhythm section, the strings and the horns.”

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, andThe 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 Jeffon 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 saxophonistMike Lett, baritone saxophonist Caelan Roberge­ Toll and keyboardist Deniz Lim-Sersan.

“My goal for this record is to putThe 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, andI’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 ifI can make it happen in the States.”