Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Staying In the Pocket

What does it mean to stay in the pocket. I think this is one of those questions a lot of musicians can't answer. My take on the Pocket, since you asked, is the element of feeling *Good*. Let's take a drummer for an example. The drummers job is to establish the groove and to control the intensity of the overall feel rhythmically. This is my technical definition of "Pocket" in a drumming perspective. Here great example of a Super Solid Pocket. And it feels good too!


















Ask yourself, what motivates you to play in a band. Is it about you? Is it about all your flashy chops? These thing can take away from the established Groove. Music needs to be felt as opposed to just being heard.
A musician becomes great when He/She know how to utilize the Pocket. BTW folks, Pocket Pays!

- DrSuS
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6 comments:

  1. BiancaFebruary 16, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    ok I have a few questions b/c I still dont fully understand "pocket." Isnt the pocket more than just 1 musicians personal grove but more so grooving insync with the other musicians? When is it no longer concidered the pocket? And finally, is there a place BEYOND the pocket? I ask this b/c I have heard bands that are so SICKENING that I wouldnt dare even try to describe them as pocket!!

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  2. Back to BlackFebruary 16, 2011 at 8:33 PM

    *lurks for answer*

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  3. UnknownFebruary 16, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    Pocket for me is like the musical focal point. The key to staying in the pocket is not to venture off by going total left field, because that only distorts the musical idea thats trying to be presented. You are correct with the "insync" idea. When one musician goes left field in a band, it no longer feels good, and that is what i call "out of Pocket". Now thats just one aspect of being out of pocket. Next time you here a band, if the music feels good, then they're probably holding a good pocket.

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  4. BiancaFebruary 16, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    whens the next gig?!? its time 4 another road trip! Is there a place BEYOND THE POCKET? i.e the inseam pocket to the seam of a pocket??

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  5. April R.February 17, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    My friend here in Tuscaloosa, is a bad dude when it comes to the drums. Philip Craig is his name. I think he's on youtube.

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  6. UnknownFebruary 18, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    ill look him @ARoss, Next gig is at the USM Banquet @B

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