A brooding, snakelike organ line simmers and spittles, building anticipation for the fiery fanfare of drums, guitar, and synth announcing the arrival of Pocket Bandits. With “The Pocket Bandit” – the semi-eponymous debut single from the Ithaca, NY-based instrumental group – the trio of Joe Massa (guitar), Samuel B. Lupowitz (keys), and Simon Bjarning (drums) unleash their fun, funky fusion of R&B grooves, jazz improvisation, rock intensity, and catchy-yet-unpredictable songwriting.

Inspired by boundary-breaking 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. Massa brings technical facility and a vast tonal palette on the electric guitar; Bjarning provides rock-solid grooves and orchestral grandeur behind the drum kit; Lupowitz delivers all-limbs-on-deck coverage of melodies, harmonies, and basslines on organ, synthesizers, and pedal keyboards. Using their powers for good, not evil, Pocket Bandits aim not merely to show off, but to fill the dance floor with their engaging original compositions, as well as the occasional crowd-pleaser by artists from The Beatles to Billie Eilish.

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 and recording, Massa suggested assembling an instrumental trio as a tight-knit, agile outlet for their musical chops, compositional ideas, and collaborative spirit. Enter Simon Bjarning, an alumnus of the Royal Danish Academy of Music with a resume 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.

“The Pocket Bandit” is a bold opening volley from a band of experienced musicians with big ambitions for their new collaboration. With additional music and an unfolding performance schedule for the rest of 2024, Pocket Bandits invite you to hop aboard and follow along for the ride. Keep up with the band at pocketbandits.com or by following them on social media: @pocketbanditsmusic

“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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