Behind the Groove: The David Garibaldi Story: How One Drummer Redefined Funk, Groove, and the Art of Rhythm

This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

David Garibaldi is more than a drummer—he’s a rhythmic architect who reshaped the sound of funk from behind the kit. In the Pocket: The David Garibaldi Story is the definitive biography of Tower of Power’s legendary groove master, chronicling a life lived in relentless pursuit of precision, feel, and innovation.

From his earliest days growing up in Oakland to commanding stages around the world, Garibaldi developed a unique style that fused military discipline, jazz phrasing, and soul grit into a new kind of funk drumming. With hits like “What Is Hip?” and “Soul Vaccination,” he didn’t just keep time—he led it. This in-depth narrative traces his journey through the highs of global touring, the rigors of studio perfectionism, and the personal challenges that nearly silenced his sticks forever.

More than just a story about music, In the Pocket explores Garibaldi’s constant reinvention—as a sideman, a solo artist, an author, and a world-renowned educator. Through lineup changes, industry shifts, and even a near-fatal accident, Garibaldi remained dedicated to the groove and committed to teaching it to the next generation.

Told in rich detail and shaped by research and rhythm, this book offers drummers, musicians, and fans a deeper look at how feel is forged, how style becomes signature, and how a life can be built around four limbs, a metronome, and a dream.

Whether you're a longtime Tower of Power fan, a student of the drums, or simply a reader who loves stories of grit and greatness, In the Pocket brings you face-to-face with the man who turned groove into a form of genius.