Inside Pocket is a jazz quartet based in Madison, Wisconsin. We perform original compositions, hard bop, and contemporary jazz by Kenny Garrett, Pat Metheny, and others. We favor music with clearly stated melodies and a strong pulse. Music that moves you!
Recordings
February 2024 Sequoya Library
January 2022
Our Favorite Testimonial 🙂
This is some of the best music I’ve heard at the Terrace and honestly since I’ve been in Madison. Such perfect Friday afternoon tunes. Many thanks to you and your band!
Libby
About Us:
Bob Kerwin
Since moving to Madison Bob has performed with The Madison Saxophone Quartet, The Red Hot Horn Dawgs, The Mighty Groove Masheen, Big Circle, jazz duos with Doug Brown and Doug White, and his own jazz quartet. He has played at the Isthmus Jazz Fest, Atwood Fest, Union Terrace, and many other venues including twice a month for 7 years at Delaney’s Restaurant.
For many years Bob juggled music with medicine. He practiced Family Medicine, then Emergency Medicine, and finished his medical career at UW-Madison student health. In his spare time Bob founded and ran Madison Jazz Jam, a 501c nonprofit that continues to produce an all-ages jam. He also began the Madison Jazz website which is now The Madison Jazz Calendar.
Kevin Adler
In addition to playing with Inside Pocket, Kevin is half of the father-son duo Shark Bait. He played his first beat behind the middle school drum kit to Tone-Loc’s “Funky Cold Medina” and pretty much nailed it in front of his seventh grade class. What else? He teaches writing classes at UW, makes sour pickles, hunts mushrooms, and wants a colony of bees.
Mark Ramirez
Before coming to Madison, Mark practiced Family Medicine in Minneapolis and performed around town with his jazz trio. In the early 2000’s he switched careers, moved to Madison, and began programming audio software.
Since then Mark has started a jazz/soul band, Antique Nouveau; played with the Neophonic Jazz Orchestra; and collaborated with local musicians Lucas Koehler, Ben Ferris, Rand Moore, Susan Hofer, Tisha Brown, and others. He has played at the Isthmus Jazz Festival, Jazz at Five, Atwood Fest, The Brink Lounge, The High Noon Saloon, The Majestic, and the Overture Center.
Mark is the owner and developer of a voice communication software company, enjoys hiking and traveling, and is married with one kid and two cats.
Francis Deck
Francis studied classical cello through high school then switched to double bass. Since moving to Madison in 1997, he has played with many local groups and artists, including Kurt Lang, Dave Stoler, Michael BB, Doug Brown, Harmonious Wail, Swingtime Music, and others. He has been a member of the Madison Jazz Orchestra for more than 10 years, and has appeared on stage at the Isthmus Jazz Festival, Behind The Beat, and Jazz At Five.
Francis is a physicist by day, and also has a small business making an electronic accessory for bassists.