Pocket Change by Pocket Change

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"We get about 100 albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 100,000 total), and yours is one of the best I've ever heard." - Derek Sivers, owner/founder of CD Baby

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Pocket Change – “Pocket Change”

Got funk? If you’re Pocket Change, a seven-man horn band consisting of former University of Washington music students, the answer is decidedly YES! These cats can wail with the best of them, JB horns and TOP included. If you’ve missed them live, run don’t walk to your computer and order their debut CD “Pocket Change” from CD Baby.com.

Featuring a passel of original tunes, a squeaky tight rhythm section, and some of the best soloing around, “Pocket Change” slams you through a crash course in hot, sweaty funk-mania. Tarik Abouzied’s solid drumming powers the rhythm section, ably assisted by guitarist Cameron Peace, keyboardist Orlando Morales, and bassist Jake Amster. Trumpeter Scott Morning and saxophonists Jon Armstrong and Art Brown blow hot, heavy horn parts that recall the best work by the Average White Band, Tower of Power and other 70s funk disciples.

On this first effort, Pocket Change makes a solid case for being worthy keepers of the jazz/funk legacy. Here’s hoping they make it funky for many years to come! Recommended tracks: “Deluge”, “In My Office”, “Tight Rope” and the dreamy cool down number, “Ten Floors Down.”

Steve Ward, KSER 90.7FM Everett, WA

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Upon being informed that the name of a funk fusion band is Pocket Change, an avid fan of the form would have to hope there's some double entendre involved. In the case of this 7 piece outfit from Seattle, there's no doubt about it. From the first note, the bass and drums are locked tight in the "pocket" and feeding off each other, setting the foundation for a musician's playground that these guys occupy every square inch of. Featuring a distinct 3 piece horn section, guitar that sits back but steps up when needed, and a Fender Rhodes that is functionally holding it all together, the resulting sound manages to be classic but not dated. Fans of mid-70's mainstays like The Headhunters and Tower of Power will find these instrumental jams right up their alley, a funk blend that is accessible and catchy from the get go. This is just another testament to the musicianship here, which is wisely not trying to go over the head of the listener but instead attempting communication in a language we all understand.

CD Baby Editor Review

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“Pocket Change, a Seattle jazz and funk septet known for its tightness and energy.” – Gene Stout, Seattle PI

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“A wonderful mixture of melodic sounds and funky music, for me this one’s definitely a keeper!” – iTunes UK Listener

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