The jazz and funk couldn’t be held down Friday, despite the inclement weather. The Motet, Medeski, Martin & Wood and Vulfpeck trucked ahead. C=T contributor, Melanie Moreno (photos/word) took in the improvisationist’s dream come true with the trifecta of jam, jazz and funk.

Vulfpeck

Vulfpeck is the band you may never have heard of unless you are a jam band junkie. It won’t be long until Vulfpeck is a household name if they continue to bring down the house like they did at their debut at Red Rocks Amphitheater on the evening of July 22nd. The funk group was formed just a short 5 years ago, but their simple and minimal sound with a seamless blend of every instrument makes them a band to remember. They opened with their 2014 popular single “Christmas in L.A. featuring David T. Walker on guitar and Katzman on vocals. The band’s excitement was contagious and they included the fans by taking video of the crowd via a selfie stick that caught the whole experience first hand. There is no doubt that Vulfpeck will become a staple in the jam scene culture.

Medeski, Martin & Wood

Medeski, Martin & Wood, created a buzz at Red Rocks on Friday night with their combination of funk and hip hop sounds. The crowd was moving to their unconventional style sometimes described as “avant-groove.” One never knows exactly where this band is going to take them as explore the edge of musical composition, rhythm and sound. They are masters at improvisation and can easily lead the crowd down a beautiful, gratifying musical rabbit hole. When one comes out the other side, one is left wondering, “what just happened?” Contemporary acoustics blended with arrhythmic and atontal riffs, Medeski, Martin & Wood leaves the crowd in awe of their true musicianship.

The Motet

The American funk, afrobeat and jazz influenced The Motet brought the HEAT to Red Rocks Ampitheater. The Motet exudes an energy that electrifies the crowd and can turn a rather subdued and mellow crowd into an all out dance party. The Motet’s signature style hits you in the mouth with sounds that are BIG and FUNKIFIED! Singer Lyle Divinksy, who joined the band in early 2016 has a presence on stage that gets the crowd on their feet and moving to their funky beat. The addition of the horns raise the roof right off the ceiling. They are just HOT, HOT, HOT!

Medeski, Martin & Wood