When playing jazz the term “playing in the pocket” refers to playing perfectly in time. It has also been described as an almost spiritual experience where musicians are taken to a place where they allow the music to take control. Find out what being in the pocket is all about when Duo in the Pocket performs for Lakewood Public Library’s “Sunday with the Friends” series on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium. The program is free and open to the public.

Guitarist Conrad Reeves will be holding down the rhythm while Dave Kasper plays warm melodies on saxophone. Duo in the Pocket takes a unique approach to the traditional jazz styles of Zoot Sims, Scott Hamilton and Stan Getz. Kasper and Reeves formed the group last year in order to give themselves the opportunity to play intimate performances in small venues.

Twenty-three year old Kasper started taking saxophone lessons at Educator’s Music in Lakewood shortly before starting the 5th grade. He received his degree in music from Cleveland State University and he has always been involved in pushing the limits of jazz saxophone. “I mainly play tenor saxophone, but I have been working quite a bit on my alto saxophone and my doubles in my free time,” says Kasper. He has had the honor of playing with luminaries that include the Temptations, Paul Ferguson, Ernie Krivda and Howie Smith. He stays active in the Cleveland music scene and he’s looking forward to putting out some new, original material this year. Dave will be busy this summer playing in several of his own groups including Dave Kasper Quartet, Big Brother's Brother as well as Duo in the Pocket and he also plays with Ernie Krivda and the Fat Tuesday Big Band.

Conrad Reeves is currently finishing up his senior year in high school and this fall he will be attending Oberlin Conservatory of Music on a full scholarship. Conrad met Dave while doing post secondary work at Tri-C. Reeves frequently plays at gigs in and around Cleveland and in January 2007 he performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators conference in New York City with one of twenty selected college ensembles. He currently studies under the guidance of guitarist Tony Pulizzi.

Come experience live jazz with Duo in the Pocket in the intimate setting of Lakewood Public Library's new auditorium on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m.