Some bands have head-banging, air guitar music, some have mosh pit, burning T-shirt music, and others have trippy psychedelics.
And they all spawned from one source: jazz.
The Motet, an acid, African, Cuban, Brazilian percussion jazz band from Boulder, Colo., has returned to Albuquerque with more of its finger-snapping, shoulder-swinging melodies.
"The great thing is we've all come from a bunch of varied influences," Dave Watts, the band's drummer, said.
The Motet's sound is deliciously unique. Their albums feature a lot of fast-paced percussion that really moves the crowd.
"It's basically the band's expression of the Boulder music scene," Watts said.
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Their recording of the Berkshire Music Festival of 2003 has a number of hits on it. "Samba" starts out with a primal, racing beat that abruptly slows down into a jaunty jazz number.
"Soup" and "Cheap Shit" have a saucier jazz rhythm to them, with impressive horns from special guest Dominic Lalli and smooth guitar additions by new member Mark Donovan.
Watts says that he found music through his desire to play drums.
"I've always been fascinated with drums," he said.
In addition to the lively music, fans can register to vote at any of their shows. The Motet has scheduled voter registration booths to share space with them in the playing venue. So if anyone hasn't registered, having The Motet as a backdrop is far more exciting than waiting around at the DMV.
"We're trying to raise awareness that the election is coming," Watts sad. "We want our generation to know that they can change things this election. They could have last election but the polls show that they really didn't come out in large numbers."
At some shows the managers for the registration tables didn't show, but Watts is confident they will be there, he says.
"We have the power to speak with a pretty loud voice," Watts said. "We do what we can to raise everyone else's voice."
The charged, eclectic music and opportunity to get registered is more than enough to get everyone down there on Saturday. What could be a better way to begin spring break than listening to some phenomenal jazz?
"Music changes people," Watts said. "It can take you from a really dark mood to happiness. Music in general is a metaphor for life.
What: The Motet
When: Saturday, 8 p.m.
Where: Stella Blue
Price: $10
Ticket Info: 268-8667
