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Former Morcheeba keyboard player JD73 has the ‘70s soul funk sound down cold. Zeros and Ones recalls everything from Quincy Jones' theme to Sanford and Son to funky Blaxploitation soundtracks like Hell Up In Harlem, Thunderfist, Shaft and Superfly. The big difference is, of course, and as referenced in the album title, that Zeros And Ones is an all digital affair, no humans need apply. But that doesn't stop JD73 from imbuing his stone churning funk filigrees with plenty of fallible human tendencies.

JD73 is actually one Dan Goldman, who has additional heavy credits with George Evelyn(Nightmares On Wax), Corinne Bailey-Rae, the Haggis Horns, Bonobo, and various artists on Ninjatune and Warp.

"Distorted Dreams" features a jerking beat that even Zigaboo Modeliste could love, buckling down below declarative piano chords (ala Shaft or Barry White), twinkling electric piano, manic Clavinette (ala Stevie Wonder), cheesy synths and string machines (think 3 Days Of The Condor), all merging together like a freak journey through 70s style. We're talking '70s funk complete with high collared fur coats, platform shoes and lots of illegal white powder.  How JD73 conjures these sounds is a mystery. Surely he's working his soft synth parade, but the organic beats and flowing bass riffs jump my bones like a night at long gone infamous Manhattan club, Sweetwaters.  The rest of Zeros and Ones is equally happenin', from the urban flow of "E.T. Funk" and the humming sensuality of "Dark Dub" (flute boogie!) to the dance floor penetration of "Journey to the Other Side."

"Distorted Dreams"

Portishead rhythm section makes good: The Blessing's All Is Yes is the debut album by Bristol based post-jazz rockers Clive Deamer and Jim Barr, perhaps best known as the drummer and bassist for legendary trip-hoppers Portishead (whose new album, Third, is set for April release).  Think the Dap Kings, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs, or Maceo Parker and All the King's Men. Deep, down and dirty soul funk replete with ripping brass and gut bucket rhythms.The Blessing
"Bleach Cake" (mp3)
from "All is Yes"
(Candid Productions)

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