The Pockets
The Pockets are an American R&B/funk band from Baltimore, known for their soulful grooves and horn-driven sound in the late 1970s. They achieved three Top 40 R&B hits during their peak with Columbia Records. The band name originated from singer Luther Ingram, describing their tight, pocketed musical style.?
Formed in Baltimore as a septet, the group recorded demos in 1975 at Sheffield Studios, mixing covers and originals. Keyboardist Al McKinney connected them to Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire through a mutual acquaintance, leading to a deal with Columbia in 1977. San Francisco vocalist Larry Jacobs joined as lead singer, expanding them to an eight-piece ensemble.?
Their debut Come Go with Us (1977) hit No. 17 on Billboard's Top R&B Albums, driven by the single "Come Go with Me" (No. 17 R&B). Follow-up Take It On Up (1978) reached No. 22 R&B, with its title track at No. 24. So Delicious (1979) peaked at No. 43 R&B amid label tensions.?
Original Members Kevin Barnes: trombone, vocals, percussion; Gary Grainger: bass, vocals; Gregory Grainger: percussion, vocals; George Gray: drums, vocals; Larry Jacobs: vocals, percussion; Albert McKinney: keyboards, vocals; Irving Madison: saxophone, vocals; Jacob Sheffer: guitar; Charles "Chuck" Williams: trumpet, trombone, vocals.
By 2016-2017, a lineup including originals like Gary and Greg Grainger, Larry Jacobs, and newcomers performed, including UK shows after a remix of "Come Go with Me" by Joey Negro. A 2025 Facebook post highlighted their Cherry Hill roots.
Come Go With Us
Written-By – A. McKinney, R. Wright, V. White
4:22
A2 Pasado
Written-By – C. Burke, J. Burke, R. Marrero
5:42
A3 One Day At A Time
Written-By – R. Wright, V. White
5:44
A4 Doin' The Do
Written-By – G. Grainger
2:58
B1 In The Pocket
Written-By – A. McKinney, K. Barnes, R. Wright, V. White
3:51
B2 Nothing Is Stronger
Written-By – A. McKinney, G. Stekler, J. Sheffer, R. Wright, V. White
4:00
B3 Elusive Lady
Written-By – A. McKinney, K. Barnes
6:58
B4 Wizzard Wuzzit
Written-By – G. Grainger
2:35
Label: Columbia – PC 34879
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Soul, Funk
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco
Released in October 1977 on the Kalimba/Columbia label, "Come Go With Us" is the debut album from the Baltimore-based eight-piece soul-funk group Pockets.
The album was produced by Verdine White (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and co-produced by Robert Wright. Critics often note the heavy influence of the Maurice White/EW&F aesthetic, characterized by lush arrangements and staccato-driven rhythms.
The album reached #17 on the Billboard Top Soul Album Charts. Its breakout single, "Come Go With Me," peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles and #32 on the Disco Action Charts.
On Discogs, the album maintains a high average rating of approximately 4.13 to 4.7 out of 5 across various pressings as of early 2026.
Reviewers highlight the album for its lack of "filler," describing it as a consistent, "beautiful album start to finish".
"Come Go With Me": The lead single, celebrated for its high energy and funkiness.
"Pasado": A Spanish-inflected track noted for its unique cultural flavor.
"One Day At A Time": A standout mid-tempo ballad frequently cited for its soulful delivery.
Instrumentals: The album features two instrumental tracks described as "divine" and "magnificently played".
Vocals: Songs like "In The Pocket," "Elusive Lady," and "Nothing Is Stronger" are praised for their superb vocal performances and impeccable songwriting.
While the group never repeated the Top 20 success of their debut, "Come Go With Us" remains a staple for R&B and funk enthusiasts, often rediscovered through radio programs like Felix Hernandez's Rhythm Revue. It is regarded as a "little gem" of the 1970s soul-funk era that showcased the band's immense, if relatively unsung, talent.