The crack of a snare drum. The ring of an electric guitar. The wail of a Hammond organ. Like an electrified fanfare, the opening notes of Nine by Pocket Bandits herald the arrival of a trio to be reckoned with. Calculated composition, daring improvisation, an aura of fun, of risk, of joy… that’s Pocket Bandits.

“We’re here to play the music we want, the way we want,” says drummer Simon Bjarning. “There’s something about this particular lineup . . .  we’re here to entertain, and bring the good vibes, but we’re pretty adamant about ‘this is the way we do it.’” The three-piece’s stylistic adventurousness comes through in the nine-track collection, demonstrated in the odd-time funk opus “Second Drink,” the hypnotic riffs of lead single “The Pocket Bandit,” the sweet, simmering ballad “The Bridesmaid’s Heart,” and the jazzy, bombastic closer, “The Sidler.”

Inspired by infectious, inventive instrumental dance bands like Soulive and Snarky Puppy, Pocket Bandits is a modern twist on the old-school organ trio: the power of a big band in a tiny package. Joe Massa delivers intense, vibrant electric guitar; Simon Bjarning throws down funky, grandiose drums; Samuel B. Lupowitz juggles melodies, harmonies, and basslines on Hammond organ, synthesizers, and pedal keyboards. Thrilling your senses and filling the dance floor, Pocket Bandits engage their audience with dynamic original compositions, as well as crowd-pleasers by The Beatles, Chappell Roan, Steely Dan, and even the Super Mario Brothers.

Sam Lupowitz and Joe Massa began playing together in 2014 in various groups around the Central New York region, including Thru Spectrums, Noon Fifteen, the Jeff Love Band, and Kitestring. When the COVID-19 pandemic halted the pair’s performing, Massa suggested assembling an instrumental trio as a streamlined outlet for their musical chops, compositional ideas, and collaborative spirit. Enter Simon Bjarning, an alumnus of the Royal Danish Academy of Music with a resumé including Denmark’s major symphony orchestras as well as Hanson, Evanescence, Celtic Thunder, and Sarah Brightman. The chemistry between Joe, Sam, and Simon was immediate, and Pocket Bandits were born.

“When we hear that somebody heard us from outside the venue, and decided to come in, boom. That’s how that works,” Bjarning says of the band’s live appeal. “It’s a people thing.” Nine by Pocket Bandits promises to spread the trio’s unique, engaging blend of funk, jazz, and progressive rock beyond their Central New York home base. With more shows and fresh music following in the wake of the new LP, Pocket Bandits invite you to hop aboard for a long ride.

“Musical fearlessness  . . . reminds me of Medeski, Martin & Wood . . . these guys are feeling and grooving their way into those technical spaces, and that’s always a thrill to take in.”
—Matt Terzi, Parlor City Sound

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