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This Fall, The Pocket will be on tour with reggae icon Ronnie Davis (formerly of The Itals) skankin' across America and The Caribbean. This combination of authentic reggae roots with alternative rock creates an infectious sound for today's international audience. Incredible vocals, memorable lyrics and an infectious stage energy always leaves listeners wanting more.
The Pocket is a distinctly original band that combines alternative rock with authentic reggae roots. This combination creates an international sound for today's selective audience. Incredible vocals, memorable lyrics and an infectious stage energy always leaves listeners wanting more. For the last two years, The Pocket has been touring the US and Jamaica. Recently, they were seen performing mainstage at the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival with music icons Roberta Flack,Third World and Nora Jones. The Pocket also had the honor of showcasing the band at The Bob Marley 60th Anniversary Festival presented by Tuff Gong. During their 2005 Carribean tour, The Pocket lit up the Jamaican coastline as thousands of college spring breakers were blown away by the live performances at Margaritaville, Negril. Washington DC based lead vocalist, Omar Teitelbaum, brings extraordinary talent and unmistakable character to both the studio and the stage. Originally from Jamaica, lead guitarist Terrence Brown, musically guides the group with his insightful presence and positive vibrations. Matt "Wonderboy" Wood, both keyboardist and rapper extraordinaire, fits into the groove perfectly along with dynamic 'lock it in the pocket' drummer, Patrick Tiglao. Thick bass, soulful saxophone and sultry background singers complete the band's tapestry of sound. The Pocket's highly anticipated new album "Out of Many One" will hit record stores over the next few months. The single "Lila Rose" is quickly gaining recognition in Jamaica on Irie FM, RJR and many other radio stations. The Pocket has also performed at some of the best live music venues in the US such as: 9:30 Club in Washington DC, Fox Theater in Boulder, CO and Malibu Inn in Los Angeles. The Pocket has a way of transcending mainstream sound by creating an energy that excites, soothes and inspires audiences from all over. This group is a dedicated band with an ever-growing fan base.
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1 review
Darren Khan, Observer writer
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Washington, DC-based The Pocket Band put in a fine showing at the Redbones Blues Café recently, bringing their unique fusion of reggae, alternative rock, rap and even a touch of folk music to the Braemar Avenue, New Kingston venue.
Lead singer Omar Teitelbaum; lead guitarist Terrence 'Big T' Brown, who was born in St Catherine, Jamaica; keyboardist and rapper Matt 'Wonderboy' Wood; trumpeter and vocalist Christopher Compton; Mike Walker on bass and 'Garfield', the band's drummer while in Jamaica, as well as back-up singer Patricia providing a feminine touch, all demonstrated the way a band should play together, displaying dexterity on their instruments as well as a stagecraft and presence which were refreshing to behold.
Starting off with a medley, which included a touch of Toots and The Maytals' Bam Bam, the band then shifted into the catchy Borrowed Hearts, which saw Compton, who for some odd reason looked shy on-stage, having fun and embarking on a solo or two. Steady followed, a lively, jazz and rocksteady-influenced number pinned down by Big T's growled refrain, a neat bassline under Omar's vocals and Wonderboy's rap cameo.
All dressed casually and at home on-stage, Omar then asked if there were any requests and unsurprisingly, Lila Rose was shouted from the audience. The song, like the one before it, is from their album Out Of Many, One and is a love ballad in a more classic vein than most latter-day R&B songs, with a beautiful melody and touching lyrics.
During the intermission, Cusser and the Storm Band - John Fenton on bass and Craig 'Phlee' Lee on drums - put in a brief but much-appreciated cameo, playing Designer Sword, Infra Red and Number One.
After the intermission, The Pocket Band returned to the stage and kicked off their second set with War - Wonderboy throwing in another bit of rap and Omar doing the same after slowing the beat, declaring "... I'm half black, I do it like that," as Big T laid down some semi-muted riffs on the lead guitar, his eyes squeezed tightly shut.
Given the run-up to the general elections, the next song, titled Jamaica, was rather apt. Big T was introduced by Omar as "...coming to stage right courtesy of St Catherine". And with Big T laying down the opening chords, Omar sang I don't need no party favour/I don't want no credit loan/I just wanna make Jamaica/Make Jamaica my home away from home on a one-drop rhythm mixed with a touch of mento.
Get It On saw the first of several guest artistes on the stage - Jason Wharton joining the ensemble to duel with Compton's trumpet with his work on the flute. Another rapper, Que, then did a piece before passing off the microphone to the sexy singer Kali. The performance became a jam as Wharton and Compton again duelled, this time Wharton playing the harmonica.
There was a sample of California Dreaming, Wonderboy became a human beat box while Omar played the keyboard and Que again rapped and Kali sang - all to good effect.
Gin and Tonics and the forlorn Throwing Stones were next, before Compton put his instrument aside to surprise the audience with a lead vocal cameo, doing an audience-entertaining, from-the-soles-of-his-feet job covering Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On.
The beautiful, haunting and anticipated Medicine was next, Compton taking over the drum set and Big T sitting on the edge of the stage as he soloed, counterpointing Omar's voice as he sang, heartfelt, the lyrics of the love song.
Oceanside (Rooftop in Kingston) should have been their last song, but after they delivered the goods and Omar introduced the band, they were called back for a final, and honest, encore, ensuring a good night was had by all.