Born from San Diego’s vibrant live-music scene, Pocket Bureau is a six-piece collective that fuses the swagger of hip-hop with the sophistication of modern jazz. Fronted by tenor saxophonist Topher Williams, the group set out to answer a simple question: What if jazz felt like a party again?

The band’s lineup reads like a who’s who of the city’s underground groove circuit: Denis Sulka on bass anchors the sound with deep, melodic pocket lines; Phil Woodring drives the energy from behind the kit with tight, big-beat grooves; Steve Bulman adds texture and punch on guitar; Chase Prado lays down lush harmonic foundations on keys; and Jeff Blanco, the newest addition, brings his dynamic trumpet tone from local big bands and soul groups to complete the front line.

Most of the members played together in the soul-jazz group Mazie (2018–2019) and before that in the funk outfit Jug Head Mob (2016), honing a sound built on chemistry, grit, and groove.

With its blend of jazz harmony, hip-hop rhythms, and infectious stage energy, Pocket Bureau delivers what they call “jazz party music”—a sound that moves both hearts and hips. Their performances feel like a celebration where Blue Note sophistication meets block-party spirit, proving that jazz doesn’t have to stay seated.