For many years, the Price of Dope enjoyed a great deal of success in
San Diego. They have shared the stage with acts such as Prince, the
Brand New Heavies, the Roots, and many others. Songs from the band's
debut CD were used for Rob Machado's (MTV) surf videos and frequently
featured on local TV and radio (Bluetorch, KUSI, KSDS). In 1999, the
Price of Dope dissolved when Cheme Gastelum and Dave Carano joined
Robert Walter's 20th Congress. Soon after, Jeff Kelley, Andy Holmes,
Christian Schinelli, and Ben Moore came together to form Pocket.
When their debut EP The Tone Conservancy was released, they had
already performed on the same bill as Medeski Martin & Wood and the
John Scofield band. Consisting of fiery grooves inspired by a blend of
soul jazz rhythms and contemporary harmonies, the album received
critical acclaim and helped put Pocket on the map. Right now, Pocket
is back in the studio turning out a full-length album to be released
this spring and laying their special brand of soul jazz music on the
West Coast. Pocket has been nominated for best jazz band at the San
Diego Music Awards for both 2005 and 2006.
