# The Empty Pockets > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Empty_Pockets > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/The_Empty_Pockets.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Pockets > Source revision: 1340151222 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{Short description|American rock & roll band}} {{For|the 1918 film|Empty Pockets}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Empty Pockets | image = Josh and the Empty Pockets.JPG | caption = Performing at [Double Door](/source/Double_Door) in 2008
(left to right: Josh, Danny, Erika, Nate.) | landscape = yes | background = group_or_band | genre = [blues](/source/blues), [Americana](/source/Americana_(music)), [rock and roll](/source/rock_and_roll), [rockabilly](/source/rockabilly) | origin = [Chicago, Illinois](/source/Chicago%2C_Illinois), United States | years_active = 2006–present | label = MT Pockets Music, Inc. | website = [http://www.theemptypockets.com theemptypockets.com] | current_members = Josh Solomon
Nate Bellon
Adam Balasco
Erika Brett | past_members = Danny Rosenthal }} '''The Empty Pockets''' (formerly known as Josh & The Empty Pockets) is an American [rock and roll](/source/rock_and_roll) band from [Chicago](/source/Chicago), [Illinois](/source/Illinois). Josh & The Empty Pockets released a Buddy Holly Tribute album in 2007 and ''Under the Bed'' in 2008, with Erika Brett featured on two of the songs.{{cite web|url=http://www.whisperinandhollerin.com/reviews/review.asp?id=4875|title=Review: 'Josh Solomon & the Empty Pockets' 'Celebrate Buddy Holly'|author=Adam Harrington|publisher=W&H|access-date=11 May 2014}}{{ cite web | url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=45468 | title=Josh & The Empty Pockets | access-date=2009-01-26 | author=Top40 Charts}} The band changed its name to The Empty Pockets following the addition of Erika Brett to its lineup.{{cite web|url=http://www.ourstage.com/media_items/RMMBEWPJIOIQ-baby-its-cold-outside-baby-please|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411195155/http://www.ourstage.com/media_items/RMMBEWPJIOIQ-baby-its-cold-outside-baby-please|url-status=usurped|archive-date=April 11, 2013|title=Baby It's Cold Outside/Baby Please Come Home by Josh and the Empty Pockets|publisher=OurStage|date=22 October 2008|access-date=11 May 2014}} The Empty Pockets released two [EPs](/source/extended_play), one of which features holiday songs. The group is composed of four members: Josh Solomon, guitar and lead vocals; Nate Bellon, bass and lead vocals; Adam Balasco, drums; and Erika Brett, keyboard and lead vocals. ==History== ===Josh & The Empty Pockets=== Josh Solomon (guitar and vocals) grew up in [Lincolnwood, Illinois](/source/Lincolnwood%2C_Illinois), playing music with his childhood friends Nate Bellon (bass and vocals) and Danny Rosenthal (drums). Shortly after forming the band in 2006, Solomon was cast as Buddy Holly in the 2006-2007 production of ''Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story'' at Chicago's Mercury Theatre.{{cite web|url=http://www.windycitytimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=14029|title=Theater: Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story|date=14 February 2007|publisher=Windy City Media Group|access-date=11 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=5117920|title=Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story Extends Chicago Run At The Mercury Theater|publisher=ABC 7|date=13 March 2007|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512231942/http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=5117920|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://history.wilmettelibrary.info/1411996/data?n=3|title=Rave on, Buddy|publisher=Wilmette Life|date=5 July 2007|access-date=11 May 2014}} Bellon and Rosenthal were cast as [The Crickets](/source/The_Crickets) in the show. During the run, the band met Erika Brett (keyboard and vocals), who was a singer and dancer in the show. Alongside the production, Josh & The Empty Pockets released a Buddy Holly tribute album called ''Not Fade Away''. ====''[Under the Bed](/source/Under_the_Bed_(album))''==== Josh & The Empty Pockets released their first album comprising 10 original songs, ''Under the Bed'', in 2008. In an interview with [Phil Ponce](/source/Phil_Ponce) on ''[Chicago Tonight](/source/Chicago_Tonight)'' in April 2009, Josh explained that the debut album is about growing up and that the title ''Under the Bed'' comes from the lyrics "where have the monsters under my bed gone" on one of the songs.{{cite web|url=http://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2009/04/15/live-music-wednesday-empty-pockets|title=Live Music Wednesday: Empty Pockets|publisher=Chicago Tonight|date=15 April 2009|access-date=11 May 2014}} Erika Brett was featured on "Let Go" and "Fall Right Now." The album was produced by Rick Fritz.{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/under-the-bed-mw0000813026/credits|title=Under the Bed|publisher=All Music|access-date=11 May 2014}} All ten of the tracks were placed on the Nickelodeon TV channel's programs [iCarly](/source/iCarly), [Zoey 101](/source/Zoey_101) and [Drake & Josh](/source/Drake_%26_Josh).{{cite web|url=http://www.newspressnow.com/life/st_joe_live/music/article_11f678c9-5a01-5672-ab44-2dd483327747.html|title=Nerdy, quirky fun|author=Shea Connor|publisher=St. Joseph News-Press|date=27 September 2012|access-date=11 May 2014}} =====Fall Right Now===== As part of that release, the band promoted the single "Fall Right Now" to medium and secondary markets and it reached #11 on the [FMQB](/source/FMQB) AC chart.{{ cite web | url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/34730722@N03/3227491271/ | title=ACQB Adult Contemporary Top 40 Chart (archived on flickr) | access-date=2009-01-26 | author=FMQB| date=26 January 2009 }} The album's single, "Fall Right Now" is said to be inspired by Erika Brett. The band also recorded an acoustic version of the song at [Sweetwater Studios](/source/Sweetwater_Studios) included with a second previously unrecorded song called "Leaving Jackson" on [WAJI's](/source/WAJI) annual charity CD, a fundraising project for [Riley Children's Hospital](/source/James_Whitcomb_Riley_Hospital_for_Children), with other notable artists including [Ingrid Michaelson](/source/Ingrid_Michaelson), [Gavin DeGraw](/source/Gavin_DeGraw), [Uncle Kracker](/source/Uncle_Kracker), [Vertical Horizon](/source/Vertical_Horizon) and [Eric Hutchinson](/source/Eric_Hutchinson), among others.{{ cite web | url=https://mcvaymediaphotos.blogspot.com/2009/03/josh-empty-pockets-visit-with-waji-pd.html | title=Josh & The Empty Pockets visit with WAJI PD Barb Richards | access-date=2009-03-02 | author=Mike McVay | date=2 March 2009 | quote=}}{{ cite web | url=http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RileyCDv4 | title=Sweetwater Majic Miracle | access-date=2009-11-27 | author=Sweetwater}}{{ cite web | url=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=66664757811&ref=mf | title=Josh and the Empty Pockets in Studio A | access-date=2009-02-21 | author=Sweetwater Sound’s Notes | website=[Facebook](/source/Facebook) | quote=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sweetwater.com/feature/majic_miracle_v4/|title=Majic Miracle Music|publisher=Sweetwater|access-date=11 May 2014}} ===The Empty Pockets=== ====Baby It's Cold Outside/Baby Please Come Home==== The band added Erika Brett as their female vocalist before recording and releasing a Christmas single in 2008, a rock arrangement combining "Baby, It's Cold Outside" and "Baby Please Come Home." The song peaked the week of Christmas 2008 and reached #51 on the [Mediabase](/source/Mediabase) AC chart playing on radio stations across the United States.{{cite web|url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4124058619_e43a02180f_o.png|title=Baby, It's Cold Outside/Baby Please Come Home|publisher=Mediabase|access-date=11 May 2014}} The following year, the single reached #36 on the Mediabase AC chart in November.{{cite web|url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2640/4126673300_7fe99bc52d_o.png|title=Nov 15 - Nov 21|publisher=Mediabase|access-date=11 May 2014}} That month it was the #1 song played in several cities including [KQIS](/source/KYBG) in [Lafayette, Louisiana](/source/Lafayette%2C_Louisiana) [WJYE](/source/WTSS) in [Buffalo, New York](/source/Buffalo%2C_New_York), and [WYYY](/source/WYYY) in [Syracuse, New York](/source/Syracuse%2C_New_York).{{ cite web | url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/4103436565_c0903084be_o.png | title=KQIS Playlist (archived on Flickr) | access-date=2009-11-14 | author=Mediabase}}{{ cite web | url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4126978164_abb5ef30b2_o.png | title=WJYE Playlist (archived on Flickr) | access-date=2009-11-22 | author=Mediabase}}{{ cite web | url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2675/4131944385_a624a066ed_o.png | title=WYYY Playlist (archived on Flickr) | access-date=2009-11-24 | author=Mediabase}} By the first week of December the single reached #31 on the Mediabase Christmas chart and was the #1 played song on [WEZF](/source/WEZF) in [Burlington, Vermont](/source/Burlington%2C_Vermont).{{ cite web | url=https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4163039564_e132e3d30a_o.png | title=Mediabase Christmas 7 Day Chart (archived on Flickr) | access-date=2009-12-06 | author=Mediabase}}{{ cite web | url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/barryluda/4162312911/sizes/o/ | title=WEZF Playlist (archived on Flickr) | access-date=2009-12-06 | author=Mediabase}} ====Signing==== The album "Under The Bed" was re-released nationwide in stores, as well as online outlets, in April, 2009. Later that year, [David Spero](/source/David_Spero), manager of [Joe Walsh](/source/Joe_Walsh), [Cat Stevens](/source/Cat_Stevens) and [Dickey Betts](/source/Dickey_Betts), became the band's manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/sun/all/index.ssf/2012/06/south_euclids_david_spero_has.html|title=South Euclid's David Spero has done it all in nearly half-century career in the music business|author=Jeff Piorkowski|publisher=Cleveland.com|date=2 June 2012|access-date=11 May 2014}} After signing, promotion of the single "Fall Right Now" to major radio markets got underway, which saw it receive airplay on a number of [Clear Channel](/source/Clear_Channel_Communications) and other monitored stations.{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/34730722@N03/3310459036/in/photostream/ |title=Mediabase Report for Adds as of February 24, 2009 (archived on Flickr) |access-date=2009-02-24 }} During March and April the single appeared twice on Mediabase's weekly Taking Off airplay chart, which lists "the Top 50 currents by most new spins, showing detections for the first time." The track reached #77 on the Mediabase Hot AC chart, and #65 on the [Adult Contemporary chart](/source/Adult_Contemporary_(chart)).{{cite web| url =https://www.flickr.com/photos/34730722@N03/3360868102/| title = 7 Day Charts - Taking Off - Hot AC (archived on Flickr)| publisher = Mediabase | author=AllAccess.com | date = 16 March 2009| access-date = 2009-03-16}}{{cite web| url =https://www.flickr.com/photos/34730722@N03/3408274650/sizes/m/ | title = Second Time 7 Day Charts - Taking Off - Hot AC (archived on Flickr)| publisher = Mediabase | access-date = 2009-04-02}} ====EP releases==== In 2011, the band released a six-song EP called ''Introducing The Empty Pockets''. "Take Me," one of the songs released on ''Introducing The Empty Pockets'', was featured in the award-winning documentary, ''[Patrol Base Jaker](/source/PB_Jaker)''.{{cite web|url=http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/DavidScantling/patrol-base-jaker-feature-length-documentary-film|title=Greenlight the PATROL BASE JAKER Movie|author=David Scantling|date=22 July 2010 |publisher=Kickstarter|access-date=11 May 2014}} That same year, the band revisited holiday music with a five-song album entitled ''A Holiday Staycation with The Empty Pockets''. ====''The Ten Cent Tour''==== In 2015, The Empty Pockets released the album, ''The Ten Cent Tour''.{{Citation|title=The Ten Cent Tour|date=2015-06-02|url=https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Cent-Tour-Empty-Pockets/dp/B00YQHYFR2|publisher=MT Pockets Inc.|access-date=2016-10-26}}{{Cite news|url=http://radioonechicago.com/chicagos-the-empty-pockets-celebrate-album-release-may-29th-at-uncommon-ground/|title=Chicago's THE EMPTY POCKETS celebrate album release May 29th at Uncommon Ground - Radio One Chicago|date=2015-05-20|newspaper=Radio One Chicago|language=en-US|access-date=2016-10-26}} Radio One Chicago praised "their first full-length album recorded in a studio they built with their bare hands. ''The Ten Cent Tour'' is a leap forward for the already-accomplished band. Solomon’s smooth pop vocals possess a newfound throaty gusto, while Brett’s bring a sort of polished abandon to the proceedings. The rhythm section of Rosenthal and Bellon finds a groove from the first track and doesn’t let go. “You Know I Do” is a showcase for Brett as a vocal powerhouse, while “Find Or Fail” brings tight vocal harmonies and jaunty banjo into the mix. “Leaving Jackson” is a heartwrenching ballad with Brett's vocals taking on a world-weary croon backed by chiming, shimmering guitars and a driving backbeat. “I Hear Your Voice” features a haunting refrain and some nimble slide guitar from Solomon. Album closer “Travelin’ Song” asserts its worthiness of inclusion on the list of great road songs with a brash fearlessness in the vocals, a classic drum-and-bass groove and a brief-but-impressive bout of flatpicking midway through. But it's the group's eponymous song, the jaunty, confident “Empty Pockets” that's the true stand-out. Showcasing the group's understanding of songcraft rather than any individual member, the song is a reminder of the fun we can have when we have nothing else–and possibly a perfect summary of The Empty Pockets as a band. Beyond the obvious [Buddy Holly](/source/Buddy_Holly) influence, the new batch of songs bring to mind modern [Americana](/source/Americana_(music)) tentpoles like Drive-By Truckers, soul studio legends like Raphael Saadiq, fellow Chicago greats like JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound, and 1990s pop-rockers such as Blues Traveler. Such a laundry list of obvious influences might make the group sound derivative on paper, but the resulting handcrafted rock ‘n roll is fresh yet familiar, exciting yet comfortable. In a word: timeless." ==Touring== In late 2008, the band performed along the [Mexican Riviera](/source/Mexican_Riviera) on the [Sapphire Princess](/source/Sapphire_Princess) cruise ship.{{ cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u0tAcRl6fw | title=On the Sapphire Princess YouTube Clip | access-date=2009-03-22 | website=[YouTube](/source/YouTube) | quote=}} Since, the band has continued to tour the United States.{{ cite web | url=https://blog.cleveland.com/localbands/2008/12/motter_flynn_hopes_to_fly_in_k.html | title=The Plain Dealer | access-date=2009-02-20 | author=John Benson| date=9 December 2008 }} The Empty Pockets have played many venues in Chicago, including headlining twice at the [Double Door](/source/Double_Door) in 2008 and 2009.{{ cite web | url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-120FF27982E545A0.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023091859/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1N1-120FF27982E545A0.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=2012-10-23 | title=Ticket line | access-date=2009-02-08 | author=Chicago Sun-Times (Requires registration for a free trial)}} May 30, 2008{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/things-to-do/|title=Things to Do in Chicago|website=Chicagotribune.com|access-date=2022-08-27}} In March, 2009, the band played at the [South by Southwest](/source/South_by_Southwest) music festival in [Austin, Texas](/source/Austin%2C_Texas). In June, 2009, the band played at Chicago's [Millennium Park](/source/Millennium_Park) at the WTMX-sponsored Party in the Park event and at the same event in July, 2010.{{ cite web | url=http://www.yelp.com/events/chicago-josh-and-the-empty-pockets-back-in-chicago | title=Josh and the Empty Pockets Back In Chicago! | access-date=2009-06-03 | author=Chrissy S}}"[http://www.chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=149 WTMX Party in the Park] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080709011700/http://www.chicagoevents.com/event.cfm?eid=149 |date=2008-07-09 }}" ''Special Events Management '' In June 2010, the band kicked off the 2010 Concert Series at Evergreen Lake, [Colorado](/source/Colorado), playing songs from their first album, ''Under the Bed'', as well as several unreleased songs.{{ cite web | url=http://www.evergreenlakepresents.com/websoftware/Gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2461 | title=Evergreen Lake Presents | access-date=2010-06-15 | author=Summer Concert Series | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710205705/http://www.evergreenlakepresents.com/websoftware/Gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2461 | archivedate=2011-07-10 }} On October 5, 2010, The Empty Pockets played at the [House of Blues](/source/House_of_Blues) for Michigan Avenue Magazine's second anniversary party, which also featured performances by [Jennifer Hudson](/source/Jennifer_Hudson) and DJ Rock City.{{ cite web | url=http://www.cheekychicago.com/jennifer-hudson-sparkles-at-magazines-2-year-anniversary-party/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101012224657/http://www.cheekychicago.com/jennifer-hudson-sparkles-at-magazines-2-year-anniversary-party/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=2010-10-12 | title=Jennifer Hudson Sparkles at Magazine's 2 Year Anniversary Party | access-date=2010-10-09 | author=Jessica Zweig }} In June 2011, the band opened for [Dave Mason](/source/Dave_Mason) at the Beverly Arts Center.{{cite web|url=http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/5694424-421/beverly-arts-centers-summer-concert-series.html|title=Beverly Arts Center's summer concert series|publisher=Southtown Star|date=1 June 2011|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513010610/http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/entertainment/music/5694424-421/beverly-arts-centers-summer-concert-series.html|archive-date=13 May 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} In 2012, The Empty Pockets headlined for comedian [George Lopez](/source/George_Lopez), [Dickey Betts](/source/Dickey_Betts), [Richie Furay](/source/Richie_Furay), and [Kansas](/source/Kansas_(band)).{{cite web|url=http://www.groupon.com/deals/gl-dickey-betts-and-great-southern-1|title=Dickey Betts and Great Southern Concert at State Theatre in New Brunswick|access-date=11 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hngnews.com/lake_mills_leader/news/article_7d8b4f60-318a-55c0-9d5e-95ccc51ad54a.html|title=Saturday's Fair Line-Up Features Kansas|author=Karyn Spory|publisher=Hometown News|date=13 July 2012|access-date=11 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dougstephan.com/show?action=viewGuest&guestID=2582|title=Josh and Erika from the Empty Pockets|date=21 December 2012|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512232018/http://www.dougstephan.com/show?action=viewGuest&guestID=2582|archive-date=12 May 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} That same year they also performed at [Michele Clark](/source/Michele_Clark) 's [Sunset Sessions](/source/Sunset_Sessions), where they played alongside [Jason Mraz](/source/Jason_Mraz), [Jimmy Cliff](/source/Jimmy_Cliff), [Fun](/source/Fun_(band)), among others; followed by Sunset Sessions showcases at the [Hotel Café](/source/Hotel_Caf%C3%A9), and the Belly Up in San Diego. The band also headlined at [The Bitter End](/source/The_Bitter_End) and the [Palms Resort & Casino in Las Vegas](/source/Palms_Casino_Resort).{{cite web|url=http://sunsetsessions.org/time-capsule/locations-and-line-ups-1998-present/|title=Locations & Alumni|access-date=11 May 2014|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412025422/http://sunsetsessions.org/time-capsule/locations-and-line-ups-1998-present/|archivedate=12 April 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://amdentertainment.com/2012/03/live-show-review-makepeace-brothers-belly-up-tavern/|title=Live Show Review Makepeace Brothers @ Belly Up Tavern|author=My Nguyen|publisher=AMD Entertainment|date=20 February 2012|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513015114/http://amdentertainment.com/2012/03/live-show-review-makepeace-brothers-belly-up-tavern/|archive-date=2014-05-13|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://vegasviphottiehosting.com/the-drowning-men-and-the-empty-pockets-add-to-the-live-performance-lineup-at-the-lounge-at-palms-casino-resort/|title=The Drowning Men and The Empty Pockets add to the live performance lineup at The Lounge at Palms Casino Resort|date=18 September 2012|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513012338/http://vegasviphottiehosting.com/the-drowning-men-and-the-empty-pockets-add-to-the-live-performance-lineup-at-the-lounge-at-palms-casino-resort/|archive-date=2014-05-13|url-status=dead}} In May 2013, the band performed at the [Niagara Falls](/source/Niagara_Falls) [Hard Rock Café](/source/Hard_Rock_Caf%C3%A9).{{cite web|url=https://www.reverbnation.com/show/10273488|title=The Empty Pockets|publisher=Reverb Nation|access-date=11 May 2014}} In August of that year, The Empty Pockets opened for Dickey Betts again at the City Winery in Chicago.{{cite web|url=http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/dickey-betts-great-southern-4-28-13.html|title=Dickey Betts & Great Southern, Special Guest The Empty Pockets|access-date=11 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513041950/http://www.citywinery.com/chicago/dickey-betts-great-southern-4-28-13.html|archive-date=13 May 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}} The band toured with [Richie Furay](/source/Richie_Furay), playing three shows together, in 2013, at [Kent Stage](/source/Kent_Stage), Fairfield Theatre Company, and at B.B. King's NYC.{{cite web|url=https://www.news-herald.com/arts-and-entertainment/20131127/tgif-happenings-your-guide-to-upcoming-events-in-northeast-ohio|title=Happenings -- your guide to upcoming events in Northeast Ohio|publisher=The News-Herald|date=27 November 2013|access-date=11 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://fairfieldtheatre.org/shows/richie-furay|title=Richie Furay Band|date=15 June 2013 |publisher=Fairfield Theatre|access-date=11 May 2014}} In October 2013, Josh was selected to participate in the [Sunset Sessions Alumni Songwriting Retreat](/source/Sunset_Sessions) in [Tulum, Mexico](/source/Tulum%2C_Quintana_Roo) with [Mark Bryan](/source/Mark_Bryan) from [Hootie & the Blowfish](/source/Hootie_%26_the_Blowfish), [Bob Schneider](/source/Bob_Schneider), [Louise Goffin](/source/Louise_Goffin), [Tristan Prettyman](/source/Tristan_Prettyman) and members of the [Parlotones](/source/Parlotones). In December that year they opened for [Paul Thorn](/source/Paul_Thorn) at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio.{{cite web|url=http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=3833454|title=Paul Thorn & Band|publisher=Ticketweb.com|access-date=11 May 2014}} Since 2013, The Empty Pockets opened for [Buffalo Springfield](/source/Buffalo_Springfield)'s Richie Furay and also performed as his band at the [Rock and Roll Hall of Fame](/source/Rock_and_Roll_Hall_of_Fame),{{Cite news|url=http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20150701/NEWS/150709966/rhondas-kiss-fundraiser-to-benefit-inner-city-clevelanders-diagnosed|title=Rhonda's Kiss fundraiser to benefit inner-city Clevelanders diagnosed with cancer|date=2015-07-01|newspaper=Crain's Cleveland Business|access-date=2016-10-26}} as well as opening for [Pure Prairie League](/source/Pure_Prairie_League){{Cite web|url=http://www.thekentstage.com/event/1012441-pure-prairie-league-special-kent/|title=Pure Prairie League with Special Guests: The Empty Pockets - Tickets - The Kent Stage - Kent, OH - February 14th, 2016|website=Kent Stage|access-date=2016-10-26}} and [Bob Schneider](/source/Bob_Schneider).{{Cite news|url=http://www.bobschneider.com/news-blog/2016/5/23/may-27-memorial-day-weekend-bash|title=May 27: Memorial Day Weekend Bash|newspaper=Bob Schneider|access-date=2016-10-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161027060155/http://www.bobschneider.com/news-blog/2016/5/23/may-27-memorial-day-weekend-bash|archive-date=2016-10-27|url-status=dead}} Building their reputation as "musicians' musicians," the band continues to work with legendary artists, including touring as the backing band and support act for [Al Stewart](/source/Al_Stewart) ("Year of the Cat") and [Gary Wright](/source/Gary_Wright) ("Dreamweaver"),{{Cite web|url=https://tickets.thetripledoor.net/eventperformances.asp?evt=1118|title=Tickets {{!}} Al Stewart & Gary Wright w/ The Empty Pockets {{!}} The Triple Door|website=Tickets.thetripledoor.net|access-date=2016-10-26}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ER7V15erkY |title=Archived copy |access-date=October 26, 2016 |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127170134/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ER7V15erkY |url-status=dead }} while simultaneously producing, recording and performing live with [Bad Company](/source/Bad_Company)'s [Simon Kirke](/source/Simon_Kirke) to promote his solo record, All Because of You (BMG), recorded in The Empty Pockets' studio in Chicago.{{Cite news|url=http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2016/08/reviews/shows/simon-kirke-and-the-empty-pockets|title=Simon Kirke and the Empty Pockets|date=2016-08-02|newspaper=Elmore Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2016-10-26}} [Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone) said of the collaboration, "Though he's hung his hat in New York City for years, Kirke shows an enviable rapport with bandmates Josh Solomon, Erika Brett, Nate Bellon and Danny Rosenthal, members of polished yet rootsy Chicago outfit Empty Pockets."{{cite magazine | url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-simon-kirkes-all-because-of-you-w474344 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170402231029/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-simon-kirkes-all-because-of-you-w474344 | archive-date=2 April 2017 | title=Review: Bad Company Drummer Simon Kirke Simmers on 'All Because of You' | magazine=[Rolling Stone](/source/Rolling_Stone) | date=31 March 2017 }} The band has also backed up [Kenny Loggins](/source/Kenny_Loggins), performing his hits, as well as sharing Empty Pockets' original material as part of the SoundExchange Influencer's Series.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/soundexchange-hosts-influencers-series-with-kenny-loggins-and-the-empty-pockets-at-the-virgin-hotels-chicago-300423221.html|title=SoundExchange Hosts Influencers Series with Kenny Loggins and The Empty Pockets at the Virgin Hotels Chicago|website=Prnewswire.com|access-date=27 August 2022}} In November 2022, the Empty Pockets opened for Al Stewart at Hangar 11, Tel Aviv, in their Israeli debut. ==Reception== ===Josh & The Empty Pockets=== ''Daily Vault'' staff writer Duke Egbert described their sound as "harmony-drenched," and labeled it "intelligent" yet unpretentious and "well-crafted." Egbert rated the ''Under the Bed'' "one of the better new CDs I've heard this year," and complimented the wordplay of "Missteps," and "Monsters," among others.{{cite web |url=https://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=6006 |title=Daily Vault Review |access-date=2009-04-10 | author=Duke Egbert}} Echoing the sentiments of prior reviews, Amy Lotsberg, a music critic and producer of Collected Sounds, wrote "Josh Solomon has a pleasing voice. It's clear, and easy to understand, which is important because the lyrics are clever." Lotsberg deemed the songs "melodic and interesting."{{cite web |url=http://www.blog.collectedsounds.com/?p=4308 |title=Collected Sounds Album Review|website=Blog.collectedsounds.com |access-date=2009-05-10 |author=Amy Lotsberg}} ===The Empty Pockets=== AMD Entertainment's My Nguyen described The Empty Pockets as vibrant and energetic with a range of influences varying from "classic pop-rock to doo-wop." Clinton Weiderholt of Vocals on Top wrote that the band has a listener friendly sound with vocals on top of the music, which is refreshing.{{cite web|url=https://vocalsontop.com/2012/10/05/concert-review-the-empty-pockets-at-cafe-acoustic-in-st-joseph-10412/|title=Concert Review: The Empty Pockets at Cafe Acoustic in St. Joseph 10/4/12|publisher=Vocals on Top|access-date=11 May 2014|date=2012-10-05}} He calls the band "catchy and fun" and mentions "All I Need" as being the "strongest song of the evening in St. Joseph." Peter Jurew & Lou Montesano of Elmore Magazine opine, "worthy of mention are the Empty Pockets, a tight and soulful quartet who are much more than just a backing band. They are credited as Kirke’s writing partners on the new album and have their own songs and their own sound. With Josh Solomon on guitar and vocals and Erika Brett on keyboards and vocals, they tend toward lighter pop melodies but managed to cover the harder-rocking Bad Company tunes without dropping a beat." ==Discography== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |- ! rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| Title ! rowspan="2" style="width:17em;"| Album details ! colspan="4"| Peak chart positions |- style="font-size:smaller;" ! width="40"| [US
Heat](/source/Heatseekers_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/7810642/the-empty-pockets/chart?f=324|title=The Empty Pockets - Chart history (Heatseekers Albums)|magazine=[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine)) }} ! width="40"| [US
Folk](/source/Folk_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/search/charts?artist=empty%20pockets&f[0]=ts_chart_artistname%3Aempty%20pockets&f[1]=ss_bb_type%3Achart_item&type=2|title=The Empty Pockets|magazine=Billboard }} ! width="40"| [US
Indie](/source/Independent_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/7810642/the-empty-pockets/chart|title=The Empty Pockets - Chart history (Independent Albums)|magazine=Billboard }} ! width="40"| [US
Blues](/source/Blues_Albums)
{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/blues-albums|title=Blues Albums - Billboard|magazine=Billboard }} |- ! scope="row"|''[Under the Bed](/source/Under_the_Bed_(album))'' | * Release date: January 2, 2008 * Label: 8th Impression | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Introducing the Empty Pockets (EP)'' | * Release date: 2011 | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''A Holiday Staycation'' | * Release date: 2011 | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''The Ten Cent Tour'' | * Release date: June 2, 2015 * Label: MT Pockets Inc. | 9 | — | 30 | — |- ! scope="row"|''Voices''{{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bottles-bibles/id473667466 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929184217/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/bottles-bibles/id473667466 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 29, 2017 |title=Bottles & Bibles - Tyler Childers |work=iTunes|date=11 October 2011 }} | * Release date: September 1, 2017 * Label: MT Pockets | — | 9 | 14 | — |- ! scope="row"|''Snow Day'' | * Release date: 2018 | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Tanglewoods'' | * Release date: January 18, 2019 | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Live in Seattle'' | * Release date: June 14, 2019 * Label: MT Pockets Music, Inc. | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Outside Spectrum'' | * Release date: 2022 * Label: MT Pockets Music, Inc. | — | — | — | 1 |- ! scope="row"|''Party at the North Pole'' | * Release date: 2022 * Label: MT Pockets Music, Inc. | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Gotta Find the Moon'' | * Release date: September 7, 2023 * Label: MT Pockets Music, Inc. | — | — | — | 1 |- ! scope="row"|''Oh! Darling (single)'' | * Release date: June 18, 2024 * Label: MT Pockets Music, Inc. | — | — | — | — |- ! scope="row"|''Al Stewart & The Empty Pockets Live'' | * Release date: August 6, 2024 | — | — | — | — |- | colspan="8" style="font-size:8pt"| "—" denotes releases that did not chart |- |} ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== * [https://theemptypockets.com/ Official website] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110710205705/http://www.evergreenlakepresents.com/websoftware/Gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=2461 Live audio from 2010 Summer Concert Series at Evergreen Lake, Colorado] * [http://www.nbcnewyork.com/around-town/archives/Meet_Josh_and_The_Empty_Pockets_New_York.html NBC New York Documentary] {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Empty Pockets}} Category:Musical groups established in 2006 Category:Musical groups from Chicago Category:Rock music groups from Illinois Category:Universal Music Group artists --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Empty Pockets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Pockets) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Empty_Pockets?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.