Zach Avery began playing in bars and venues at the age of 13. The Minnesota native was active in the Twin Cities’ local music scene and began sitting in with bands and open jams throughout the area. In January of 2014 and 2015, he helped lead two different Blues bands to Memphis, TN, to compete in the International Blues Challenge. He moved to Chicago, IL, in 2015 to study at Columbia College and quickly established roots in the local Blues and Rock scene. He formed a Funk & Soul band called “The Smokin’ Tones” (2016-2019), which played frequent shows around the Chicago area.
In 2019 he formed a new group called The Zach Avery Band, which continues to play Blues, Rock and Soul regularly around the Chicago area. As the lead singer and guitarist, his music is arranged to move the body and soul, while featuring a guitar-driven, funky groove.
Zach has also made a name for himself as a sought-after guitarist for hire, playing for a variety of other Chicago-based artists, including Rick King’s Royal Hustle, Nelson Street Revival, Mississippi Heat, and Black Diamond Sessions, to name a few.Pierre’s reflections about Zach:
“Don’t let Zach’s young age fool you. He plays like a seasoned guitar player with taste and flair. He is a consummate professional. Never disappoints. Always on and inspiring. His slide guitar playing is divine as well. You can hear Derek Truck’s influence, though his phrasings remain his own. He is a great singer too!”
photo by Russ Boxer