Scary Pockets is a musical collective formed by Ryan Lerman and Jack Conte, bringing together a rotating cast of talented musicians and vocalists to record funkified versions of popular songs across various genres, showcasing their exceptional musicianship and creativity. The group gained popularity through their YouTube channel, where they release high-quality videos of their performances. Their arrangements often feature intricate instrumentals and soulful vocals, giving familiar songs a new and exciting flavor. Scary Pockets' eclectic repertoire spans from classic hits to contemporary chart-toppers, appealing to a wide range of music lovers.
With a reputation for delivering infectious energy and top-notch musicianship, Scary Pockets has garnered a dedicated fanbase and continues to delight audiences around the world with their imaginative interpretations of well-loved tunes, like last night at the Paris Élysée-Montmatre. Scary Pockets didn't just perform; they threw a funk party that felt like a musical rollercoaster of joy. The musicianship on display was a PhD in grooveology – each note, a perfectly seasoned ingredient in the sonic feast they served. It wasn't a concert; it was a groove symposium.
The line-up on this tour is Ryan Lerman on guitar, Mario Jose and Brooke Simpson on vocals, J.J. Johnson on drums, Nick Campbell on bass and Steve "Swatkins" Watkins on keyboards AND talk box, and to say that these mofos kick ass would be an understatement.
The setlist was a groove odyssey, starting with a funk-infused rendition of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" that had the crowd on their feet from the first note. The Beatles' "Come Together" seamlessly transitioned into Ariana Grande's "thank u, next," giving it a funk makeover that made it feel like the anthem of a future funk utopia. AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" got a groove injection that left us all shaking in the best way possible.
We were even treated to an exclusive: the band played a few numbers that they've recorded with David Ryan Harris, who also opened the show. And as the evening drew to a close, they brought up Glee actor Darren Criss, just to bring the temperature up a little.
And when they closed with Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine", followed by Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy," it was the perfect, mind-bending finale to a night of musical magic. Scary Pockets turned familiar tunes into an unforgettable funk journey, leaving the audience dancing and bobbing their heads even as they dispersed into the chilly Parisian night.
