By: Mitchell Fong
If you have listened to CKDJ 107.9, then you have already got a taste of The Commotions single released in 2020, New Suit. The 70s soul inspired tune is a much beloved song on campus and if you have not heard it yet, I guarantee it will get you moving and grooving. The band is directed by tenor saxophonist Brian Asselin and is also comprised of 3 electrifying singers, a bombastic 5-piece horn section, and the tightest of rhythm sections.
Asselin is not only the director of The Commotions, but also the co-writer of the internationally preformed song “You Have Made a Difference “. With over 2.3 million views on YouTube, this song was dedicated to teachers around the world that are making a difference in the lives of their students. The song was even played on Diane Sawyers Late Night News. He had written the song with Eric Disero after they had graduated teachers college from Ottawa University. Asselin found his musical roots in Motown while he was playing with the Funk Brothers out of Detroit and transferred the love for the style into The Commotions.
Asselin isn’t the only one with an extensive musical background. Take the vocalist of The Commotions for example. Rebecca Noelle has released a few of her own albums and sang with various other groups. She has reached millions of people with her music as the runner-up on The Voice: Canada. Vocalist Jeff Rogers is also another musician of many talents boasting a wide range of instrumental knowledge. Rogers plays guitar, keyboard, and saxophone, but is sticking to vocals as the newest member of The Commotions. He can be heard on his albums that were released in 2007 and 2012. Finally, Mackenzie Di Millo brings her own unique sound to the group. She can be heard giving great supporting vocals on The Commotions’ New Suit, but also really shines on her own with Mack & Ben, a duo with her brother. You can hear influences from the likes of Lake Street Dive, Hiatus Kaiyote, Emily King, Tedeschi Trucks Band and more.
Listen for the amalgamation of their voices complimented by the slickest horn and rhythm section on The Commotions new album: Volume 3. You can find them on most streaming platforms and can pick up their vinyl on The Commotions official website. Happy grooving!
Asselin, Brian. Brian Asselin, brianasselinmusic.com. Accessed 31 Oct. 2023.
Di Millo, Mackenzie. “Mack & Ben.” MACK & BEN, mackandben.com/. Accessed 31 Oct. 2023.
Noelle, Rebecca. “Rebecca Noelle Music: Official Website: Home.” Rebecca, www.rebeccanoelle.com/. Accessed 31 Oct. 2023.
“The Commotions.” YOW Music Group, yowmusic.com/the-commotions. Accessed 31 Oct. 2023.
“Who Are the Commotions?” The Commotions, 2023, www.thecommotionsband.com/who-are-the-commotions.
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