Combining jazz with zydeco as well as R&B, rock, Latin and Caribbean music, High Pockets evolved into one of the more risk-taking and unorthodox jazz outfits of the late 1990s. The influence of New Orleans music (including the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) was so strong on High Pockets' debut recording of 1997, Picasso's Dog, that one could have easily assumed the band came from Louisiana, but in fact, Pockets was formed in Orlando, FL. in 1995. Pockets was founded by trumpeter Paul Butcher, and those who would join him in the band included drummer Ron Kopf, saxman/flutist Doug Moffet, trombonist Herb Bruce, tuba player/bassist Jay Mueller and accordionist Mike Avila. At first, Pockets was Dixieland-oriented, but as time passed, it incorporated more and more zydeco and R&B and evolved into the unique outfit heard on Picasso's Dog. Consistently risk-taking, the CD made one hope that there would be many more Pockets albums to come.
Combining jazz with zydeco as well as R&B, rock, Latin and Caribbean music, High Pockets evolved into one of the more risk-taking and unorthodox jazz outfits of the late 1990s. The influence of New Orleans…
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