Based in New York City, The Du-Rites are the funk-centric duo of Jay Mumford on drums, keyboards, and percussion and Pablo Martin on guitar, bass guitar, and synthesizer. They’ve released seven albums since joining forces and Old Maid Entertainment / Ilegalia Records’ release of “Go Funk Me” b/w “Bucket” brings 7-inch number eight to their discography. Offering two club movers, the platter can be purchased through the duo’s Bandcamp singly, in a pair via the Cuttin’ Doubles discount for DJs, in a combo with their groove-tastic LP from last year Plug It In, and as a signed test pressing in an edition of three, all available now. Fans of classic funk with contemporary vitality should investigate.
The Du-Rites is shaped up by two musical long-haulers, with Pablo Martin a mastering engineer, guitarist for Tom Tom Club, and half of Lulu Lewis with his partner Dylan Hundley. Jay Mumford’s studio experience as engineer and producer for a wide range of hip-hop artists is extensive as he released a slew of recordings in the genre as J-Zone.
Around 2011, Mumford began playing the drums as he transitioned away from hip-hop, and in due time, he started working as a studio and touring drummer, contributing to sessions for Danger Mouse and Dan Auerbach and playing live with Adrian Quesada of the Black Pumas. Additionally, he cut a series of highly regarded drum break records, and since 2013 has collaborated with Martin in The Du-Rites, an avenue of expression Mumford considers his “heartbeat.”
As a funky endeavor, The Du-Rites tap familiar territory for inspiration. Although there is a vocal component to their sound, the duo operate a bit like Josie-era Meters but with an atmosphere that’s tangibly nearer to the now and in fact is a bit reminiscent of Money Mark Nishita, who just happens to be a guest on Plug It In.
A lot of contempo funk strives for a raw, unvarnished sound, as if it was sourced from rediscovered tapes made in some fly-by-night budget basement studio, but The Du-Rites’ comfort with polished (if not overly slick) production keeps them out of the purely retro category, even as their inspirations are mostly categorized as old-school in nature.
Take “Go Funk Me,” for example, with its decidedly ’70s heavy flute component, cited as influenced by Jeremy Steig (and played by guest Seth Hachen), plus elements of soundtrack and private-press funk. There is a synth in the mix, but it’s thrust suggests a vintage model. The clean guitar tones nod to those Meters, but it’s really the tenacity of the drums and bass plus the “funk banter” of Du-Rites regular guest Broughamin’ Fred that carry the track beyond standard ’70s throwback territory.
“Bucket” retains the New Orleans atmosphere but in tandem with a slinky ’80s R&B keyboard approach. There’s also a guitar line that brings to mind a Bollywood session cat approximating the grandeur of Dick Dale. The beat hits hard throughout, while clavinet and kalimba increase the eclectic vibe. B-sides are often likeably second-rate but “Bucket” easily holds its own.
If neither track here is a jaw dropper, both will keep the club crowd satisfied. The Du-rites have again done right.
GRADED ON A CURVE:
B+
