The Motet delivered a tight, exploratory set at recordBar

November 21, 2024

Allison Scavo,

The Motet. // photo by Allison Scavo

The Motet
with ETHNO
recordBar
Tuesday, November 19

The Motet took the stage in a way only they could Tuesday—on their own terms and ahead of schedule. Surprisingly, they walked on stage one minute early, which set the tone that they wanted to be here, play, and that it wasn’t a job to them—it was a part of life. The moment they took to the stage, The Motet immersed themselves in our energy. Lead vocalist Sarah Clarke squealed that there was no better way to spend a Tuesday as the band roared their opening notes, officially marking the beginning of an immersive, funky night filled with flowing rhythms and ethereal soundscapes that left no one standing still.

Armed with both Joey Porter and Drew Sayers on keys, Drew was also doubled up with a saxophone. Dave Watts beat on the drums while Garrett Sayers slayed on the bass and Ryan Jalbert wailed the guitar, the band’s energy pillared as their instruments complimented one another. Add the soulful vocals of the energetic and vibrant Sarah Clarke and you have a flawless band.

The Motet. // photo by Allison Scavo

If you haven’t seen them in the last year, change that. The vibes are vibing. Each musician had space to shine, creating an ethereal connection of sound that rippled through the venue like an electric current. The sax soared, the keys shimmered, and the rhythm section laid down grooves that seemed to transcend time. The Motet delivered a tight yet exploratory set that seamlessly blended old school tracks with fresh cuts from their album that had just realeased four days prior, showcasing their evolution while staying true to their roots in funk and soul yet punctuated by mesmerizing psychedelic jams.

This wasn’t just a performance; it was a collective journey. The Motet proved once again why they are masters of their craft—creating a space where funk meets transcendence and the audience becomes part of the music. For fans, both old and new, it was a night to remember.

ETHNO. // phot by Allison Scavo

ETHNO electrified Kansas City with a funky dose of groove as he delivered an unforgettable show packed with electric funk, soulful intensity, and nonstop seamless transitions. Ethno brought a funk with edge by layering smooth melodies with bursts of fiery intensity, showcasing not only original material but a touch of crowd favorites including his version of Kiss by Prince. The crowd erupted as Ethno made the track completely his own, blending intricate riffs with his signature rhythm and unbroken sound.

All photos by Allison Scavo

The Motet