akmarmot
8 posts
Nov 02, 2012
9:18 AM
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That's what my brother said to me, a much more accomplished musician than myself. We were driving around one day and I was trying to do my best James Cotton impersonation. He then spent the better part of 10 minutes describing "the pocket" for me and that I had to shut the voice up in my head that was thinking about how to play and just listen to the music coming up from within. I suspect I might be the last person on Earth to learn this, but wanted to share anyhow in case anyone has their ears on - after listening to him and just "letting it flow" it was amazing how much more fun it was. A very uplifting lesson.
I am jamming with some folks tonight and will try my damndest to just listen to everything all together, including myself.
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Frank
1354 posts
Nov 02, 2012
9:37 AM
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I suppose another way to put it is to "just tune in and hear!" :)
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Stevelegh
639 posts
Nov 02, 2012
9:52 AM
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'The pocket' is an awesome place.
I rarely go there nowadays, but I used to love playing along with Sonny Boy and Muddy albums for hours. I found that place many many times.
Then I got married. The wife hates blues.....
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LittleBubba
250 posts
Nov 02, 2012
10:06 AM
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The guys I've played with for the last 10 years are "genre jumpers", so I've had to school 'em some. I'd just stay on intros until they found the pocket.
This week, after a particularly nice rendition of "Back Door Man", one of 'em said to me, "Bubba, I think you've finally gotten through to us." :)
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barbequebob
2063 posts
Nov 03, 2012
7:31 AM
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Askmarmot, you'e getting EXTREMELY valuable advice that often gets unheeded and that's something most jammers never really learn to any appreciable degree ever. The pocket goes hand in hand with the groove, which also something far too many people completely ignore and wonder why nobody thinks too highly of them and because of that, thwy make themselves an easily replaceable part, and too often that best describes players who are described as "jack of all trades, master of none" to a T.
The pocket and the groove is something that goes hand in hand and those that TRULY take the time to learn it are TRULY versatile musicians that will always get hired easily and those that don't, they will always wonder why nobody wants them except to participate in an open jam.
Understanding this stuff takes hard work, but it is well worth it. Every genre and sub-genre really requires you to think differently because what's the correct thing in one genre is often times the worst possible thing in another and too many people come under the category of one size fits all NEVER gets it EVER.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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Noodles
386 posts
Nov 03, 2012
8:46 AM
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So, exactly what is meant by "in the pocket?" Do we have an actual definition or description of it?
I've always thought that being in the pocket meant being in the groove, in time, while weaving in and around the melody or chord progression. And, in more general terms - expressing the feeling that song is trying to deliver. It seems to be a subjective and elusive - more art than fact.
Does this cover it or is there more?
Last Edited by on Nov 03, 2012 8:50 AM
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barbequebob
2065 posts
Nov 03, 2012
9:38 AM
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It's actually all of your second paragraph, Noodles. It's a lot easier to talk about than truly master and a big part of it isn't just with playing skills, but good listening skills as well.
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Sincerely,
Barbeque Bob Maglinte
Boston, MA
http://www.barbequebob.com
CD available at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bbmaglinte
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