Six Ate Nine Bites Into Funk Scene

Oh, those shifting currents sweeping the pop music marketplace. While U.S. record industry types anxiously follow the progress of electronica in the British dance halls, the ska and swing revivals are keeping the Southern California dance floors hoppin’ with the perky but lightweight sounds of Save Ferris, Reel Big Fish, the Royal Crown Revue and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, among others.

But when it comes to generating some real heat, a handful of lesser-known funk acts are the ones getting down--and getting it done. Those deliciously hot, slinky dance grooves of New Roll Soul and Groove Salad readily come to mind. Yet it’s an emerging Orange County quintet by the name of Six Ate Nine that’s ripe to take charge.

Recently, the dance-happy group played several high-profile, well-received gigs, opening local shows for Morris Day and the Time, Common Sense and the Young Dubliners. On its debut release, “Sick and Twisted,” Six Ate Nine not only sh-sh-shakes your booty, it impressively shows a versatile touch by dipping into R&B;, soul and the blues.

A spunky, sexual-charged vibe that recalls Rick James and the Artist Formerly Known as Prince sparks this winning eight-song collection. (My only complaint is the CD’s too short.) Two songs in particular, “On That Girl” and “Grind,” express the protagonist’s libidinal urges in no uncertain terms. In fact, the lustful swagger nearly goes too far during “Grind” when lead singer Zander (real name: Alexander Vera) boldly proclaims: “How many times does it have to be said / Your destiny wild / Is to live in my bed.”

In the wrong hands, such boasting can be a turnoff. But Zander, who’s also the group’s primary lyricist, pulls it off with a style both confident and playful. In fact, by the time listeners reach the CD’s closing track, he’s practically on his knees: The macho bluster has turned to heartache in the acoustic-based tale of longing and loneliness, “106.”

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Two other numbers bring depth and variety to the funk fest. “Constellation” slows the pace for a thoughtful look at the destructive nature of drug abuse and misguided hero-worship, while “Whipped” offers a well-designed, bluesy, soulful ballad featuring Zander’s most impassioned vocal pleas and some tasty guitar leads by Scott Wilson (who has since been replaced by guitarists Pat Park and Mr. Butterworth.)

But to dwell on the album’s subject matter is to miss the point. The aim here is to light a fire, to inspire people to lose their inhibitions and to groove. To that end, the group’s rock-solid rhythm section delivers, cranking out highly infectious, liberating beats that dare you to stay grounded. Any takers?

(Available from Magus Management, 101 W. Central Ave., Suite B-172, Brea, CA 92821, [888] FUNK689, or through the Web site: https://www.sixatenine.com)

Ratings range from * (poor) to **** (excellent), with three stars denoting a solid recommendation.

* Six Ate Nine, Trip the Spring and Moonwash perform Saturday at Hogue Barmichael’s, 3950 Campus Drive, Newport Beach. 21 and older. 9 p.m. $5. (714) 261-6270.