Pocket

(Jazz) In the pocket means perfectly in time, especially bass playing that is ‘in the center’ of the beat (rather than slightly leading or dragging the beat). Playing in the pocket also has a subjective meaning. While it primarily relates to drummers and bassists establishing a solid groove for the rest of the band to follow, it defies objective description. Nashville session guitarist Tyra Neftzger described it this way: “…it is a spiritual experience that goes beyond playing the right notes, great timing, or being in tune. The experience of playing in the pocket is more like becoming a faucet through which the music flows. Being in the pocket is not just about “locking together” or “syncing up” as a band. It goes beyond this to the place where the musician allows the music to take control.