The Du-Rites Members, Gear & Sound

The Du-Rites are a vibrant instrumental funk and acid jazz duo hailing from New York City. The group comprises Jay Mumford (aka J-Zone) on drums and keys, and Pablo Martin on guitar, bass, and keys. Their musical journey began in 2013 when the pair started jamming for fun, eventually leading to the formation of The Du-Rites after realizing their unique chemistry. Jay Mumford, a former hip-hop producer and artist, brings a rhythmic backbone and innovative approach to the drums, while Pablo Martin, known for his work with Tom Tom Club, infuses their sound with his dynamic guitar prowess. Their sound is a melting pot of gritty funk grooves and jazz-inflected rhythms, drawing inspiration from the golden eras of funk and jazz fusion.

The Du-Rites craft a sound that is both raw and rhythmically intricate, characterized by tight, syncopated grooves and a deeply textured instrumental palette. Their music often features gritty, analog warmth achieved through the use of vintage gear and production techniques. For instance, the Ross 4x4 Portastudio and the Tascam Porta Two are pivotal in capturing the lo-fi essence that permeates their recordings. The duo’s tracks are rich with funk-laden bass lines and sharp, percussive guitar riffs, while the keys add a layer of vibrant harmony and color. The drumming, with its crisp and organic feel, is central to their sound, often accentuated by the use of vintage drum machines like the Akai MPC 2000XL, which Jay integrates into their live performances and recordings to maintain their signature groove-heavy vibe.