 In 1988, vocalists Glenn Walters and Pamela Rose, having worked the regional concert circuit separately and together for many years, decided to join forces and form a dream party band. It would be fun, funky and soulful, playing the most danceable of songs from the 50's through the 80's.
Because both singers also had extensive jazz and swing backgrounds, they would be able to cover standards from the Sinatra/Nat King Cole era, and throw in a lively dash of jump swing as well. Since Rose and Walters both have earned great respect among Bay Area musicians, they had the luxury of pulling together a consistent lineup of the very finest musicians. They called the band Sidepocket.
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"The ensemble sound hums like a vintage Porsche."
Contra Costa Times
"As a duet team, Rose and Walters are very classy."
Phil Elwood, San Francisco Examiner
"These are, quite simply, some of the finest Bay Area musicians banded together."
Santa Cruz Good Times
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Sidepocket has long been a favorite with experienced event organizers. The band has an impressive and devoted client list, including George Lucas, the San Francisco 49ers and Huey Lewis. Sidepocket is also familiar with the needs of first time party planners such as couples planning their wedding reception. Their expertise and consummate professionalism make them a pleasure to work with. "We know how to keep the music in the background when that's appropriate, and we certainly know how to get people up and dancing when it's time to party," says Rose. Adds Walters, "it's all about making sure that people have fun."
Pamela Rose is an extraordinary jazz, blues and R & B singer. Nominated twice for a Bay Area Music Award (Bammie) she has long been recognized for her ability to reach audiences and pull them out of their seats. After years as a bandleader, and then featured vocalist in the well-known Motown revue Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra, she recorded two jazz and swing records with pianist Nate Ginsberg and toured northern Europe to great acclaim. Whatever style she is singing, her avowed goal is to "make sure that everyone in the house has a great time."
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"Pamela Rose has a sound as black and soulful as her hair is fiery red."
BAM Magazine
"A woman who combines the powerful voice of a Janis Joplin with stage dynamics of Tina Turner"
Ben Fong-Torres, San Francisco Chronicle
"An impressive singer with lots of sexy, soulful swing."
Phil Elwood, San Francisco Examiner
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Glenn Walters is a beloved and familiar voice in the Bay Area, having co-led the "Hoo Doo Rhythm Devils" for 16 years, and then featured as a vocalist with the Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra for 4 years. Glenn's talent is always in great demand, and he's recorded many national TV and radio ads for Levi's, Gallo, Hershey and Mattel, to name a few. His voice also can be heard in Tim Burton's film "The Nightmare Before Christmas". In 1997, his first solo effort, entitled simply "Glenn " was released, and he is a featured vocalist on the 1998 CD "Kick it Up a Step", produced by Tower of Power's Doc Kupka on Strokeland Records.
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"As soulful a voice as any white vocalist can claim. "
Joel Selvin, San Francisco Chronicle
"Walters is one of the most soulful singers in town, his gritty coalmine voice echoing Otis, Brother Ray and the wicked Mr. Pickett."
Ben Fong-Torres, San Francisco Chronicle
"...a guy who has a voice as warm, furry and comforting as a mink coat. You just want to wrap it around you."
Cynthia Robbins, San Francisco Examiner
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Sidepocket is normally a seven piece band consisting of drums, bass, keyboards, guitar and saxophone, with Glenn Walters and Pamela Rose singing up front. For special space or budget considerations, the group can be condensed to as few as five people, or expanded to nine members featuring a three piece horn section. Included in Sidepocket's standard lineup are: Nate Ginsberg keyboards (Herbie Hancock,Todd Rundgren), Maurice Cridlin bass (Dr. John, Pointer Sisters), Jerry Cortez guitar (Jesse Colin Young, Buddy Miles, John Lee Hooker), Chris Sandoval drums (Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, Ike Turner, Joe Louis Walker), and Jeff Ervin saxophone (Bill Withers, Hot Cider).
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