Top Pocket - The Jazz Room

Throughout Top Pocket’s 33 year storied history the band has endured an early change of focus (from R&B to Jazz), one break up, one reunion (that has lasted 15 plus years to the present day), a few members leaving to be replaced by the two current members, an expansion from 4 members to 6, then settling on 5 with the addition of a guitarist (Frank Koren out of Hamilton, followed by Alex Showdra and now Ralf Buschmeyer). Throughout the long history that is Top Pocket, two of the 5 current members (Michael Bergauer and Don McDougall) remain, having been in the band from the very beginning. Another focus change happened when Paul Stouffer joined the band and they went from playing standards to focusing on performing and recording their own original material. This was strengthened even further when Robin Habermehl joined in 2011; bringing in even more original material. The band now performs 100% original material both in live performance and on record [2011’s “11:11” and 2016’s “rocket in my (top) pocket”]. This evening should prove to be a very special one as the band will be recording a new live album featuring 80% material that has never been previously recorded including two tunes written by Don McDougall ( I know…a drummer) and his writing partner Alex Showdra, a number of tunes penned by Ralf Buschmeyer, and one song that appeared on the band’s previous album “Rocket…” but has been totally rearranged for this recording. They claim to have “finally got it right” with this arrangement.