Zach Avery Band

Zach Avery on Guitar, Todd Lazar on Bass, Dave Levitt on percussion and Sophie Hafer on keys brought the classic rythyms and blues of Chicago to the club, Madcats, in Palatine, in the northwest suburbs of America's second city. Accompanied by guest artists from the band's Black Diamond Session work, namely Blake Wollerman stepping up on the jaw harp, he blew some in the audience away with his harmonica. Also, Sean McKee, a superb blues guitarist, played alongside his friend and band mates. The second set Zach Avery and his band started out with, offered the audience a fine rendition of Allman Brothers Band "Southbound." Then,, the band fluidly segued into the bluesy riffs of "Midnight Train to Memphis," by Chris Stapleton. That, in turn, enabled a ripping version of the Jimi Hendrix "Voodoo Chile." Zach's leads showed the way, as Todd's bass line held steady, along with Dave's constant beat on the kit in the back. Sophie went from background to lead and back into the fabric of the sound with her deft and nimble action on the electronic keyboard. The 17 minutes of that second set opening have been posted on YouTube, to enjoy as time marches on.