Equal parts light and dark, shiny and grungy, melodious and angular, the new single “Midway” captures all the intensity and fun of Pocket Bandits. On the heels of their debut release from the spring of 2024, “The Pocket Bandit,” the Central New York-based progressive funk-fusion trio return with another live show favorite. “Midway” deftly splits the difference between inviting danceability and avant-garde exploration, synthesizing the extremes of the three-piece’s identity into one jubilant track.

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. Joe Massa brings technical facility and a vast tonal palette on the electric guitar; Simon Bjarning provides rock-solid grooves and orchestral grandeur behind the drum kit; Samuel B. Lupowitz delivers all-limbs-on-deck coverage of melodies, harmonies, and basslines on Hammond organ, synthesizers, and pedal keyboards. Thrilling your senses and filling the dance floor, Pocket Bandits engage their audiences with melodic, 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 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.

With “Midway,” Pocket Bandits expand on “The Pocket Bandit” in their grand ambitions for their new collaboration. With more shows and more music on deck as 2024 moves into 2025, 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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