What does it mean to be a pocket player?

[JPBourdier]

I've heard of drummers (and bassists on TB) being described as "pocket players" but never got a good explanation of the term. I assume it is synonymous with rhythmic accuracy...isn't that a primary responsibility of the bass, drums, or any instrumentalist? Any clarification is appreciated. If you can recommend a good pocket player as reference, that'd be cool, too.

 

[kenstee]

I'd say this is a pretty fair definition. Keeping the beat and holding down a constant bottom end groove with little (if any) straying outside of the root notes and melody. As to an example? Some great ones in my mind would be Adam Clayton of U2 or Bill Wyman of the Stones, Sting (on many tunes,) John McVee of Fleetwood Mac or Duck Dunn.

 

[bassbully]

Staying with the drums and laying down a good solid foundation thru the song...driven the band or song.

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

The term has an another meaning as well... .

Regards
Sam

 

[I<34080]

lock in with the drummer and no one else.

 

[Nev375]

Just nail the important kick drum hits perfectly. You can do all the extra-curricular fancy fingerwork you want. But nail the beat with a solid low note. (usually the root.)

 

[chuck3]

Hi.

The term has an another meaning as well... .

Regards
Sam

ha ha - I see what you did there.

 

[tedsalt]

the rhythm section is "in the pocket" (in the groove (locked with the drummer)).

 

[Spaldo]

James Brown People,get up and drive your funky soul - YouTube

this!

 

[chef_tater]

Check out victor wooten's "U can't hold no Groove". Great example of pocket playing while hold a groove.

"You can't hold no groove, unless you've got a pocket."

 

[JPBourdier]

Keeping the beat and holding down a constant bottom end groove with little (if any) straying outside of the root notes and melody. As to an example? Some great ones in my mind would be Adam Clayton of U2 or Bill Wyman of the Stones, Sting (on many tunes,) John McVee of Fleetwood Mac or Duck Dunn.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm trying to find a good video of Duck Dunn on YouTube; I'm not familiar with his work. Fleetwood Mac has always been on my list of reliable hits as well as Sting and The Police.

Some say to get "in the pocket" means the bass locks in with the drummer and no one else. That seems misleading to me (is the rest of the band not playing together?) I think there might be a hierarchy of rhythm players: drums lead the way, bass follows drums, then guitars, keys, other instruments and singers follow the bass/drums.

Maybe "the pocket" is the intimate, cooperative leadership of the bass and drums within the band.

 

[JPBourdier]

Hi.

The term has an another meaning as well... .

 

[pbass888]

the interplay with the drums singer and bass is the groove .... see this example and feel how the bass is getting along well with the singer and drummer (esp. the bass drum).

GLADYS KNIGHT, JAMERSON, HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE - YouTube

 

[Scogman]

Thanks for the recommendations. I'm trying to find a good video of Duck Dunn on YouTube; I'm not familiar with his work.

If you have a Blues Brothers CD, that's Duck Dunn on bass. A lot of Otis Redding and other Stax artists is Duck Dunn on bass. Booker T and the MG's is Duck Dunn. He's the consummate pocket man.

 

[onda'bass]

pocket playing to me is about being solid rhythmically, and playing all the right notes (not root specific), no wankery needed. ymmv

 

[Phalex]

no wankery needed.

This!

 

[AfroCubanFunkMa]

Spaldo's link is spot on.. Listen to how the bass and drums are ever so slightly behind the beat but the beat never drags.. They're on the beat but just on the backside.. That is The Pocket.. For more examples check out The Meters, Bootsy Collins, James Genus, Verdine White, Duck Dunn, James Jamerson... anything by Stax and Motown.. Funk Brothers.. I could got on all day if you want but essentially Roots Funk, Blues and R&B are full of pocket players..

 

[turbo chicken]

James Brown People,get up and drive your funky soul - YouTube

this!

yeah this is a good example of my opinion of pocket playing

at the same time i think of some AC/DC rock wise... i consider that in the pocket too...

yep ... most alway's song serving and simple but rhythmic bass lines get labeled as "in the pocket"

 

[AfroCubanFunkMa]

Basslines don't have to be simple to be in the pocket... Superbad by JB for example.. Come on, Come Over by Jaco/Sam&Dave.. +1 on ACDC tho..

 

[Muttleybass]

It's when you're so locked in with the kick drum that you feel a snap to your strings.

"In the pocket" means being all about a TIGHT groove.