The Zach Hillyard Band offers a unique blend of quality musicianship,
songwriting, and danceable grooves. With an intermingling of pop,
funk, soul, and R&B, ZHB has an appeal that stretches far and wide, as
proven with gigs and accomplishments that include the Salem Soul and
Jazz Festival, and Paradise Rock Club, to top honors in the national
BMI John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and most recently the title
and cash prize of, "Best College Band in New England," by
OurStage.com.
Since the band's formation in 2007, ZHB has generated an impressive
resume. "We formed just for a single gig at Matt Murphy's Pub in
Boston. Mostly studio musicians from Berklee College of Music, we got
behind Zach after that show because we just clicked. Since then, we've
just been thrilled by the success of the project," says Wesley Cole,
bassist for ZHB. This "success" includes performances across Boston
and New York in the most notable clubs, ranging from the Bitter End in
NYC, to the Beehive, Paradise Rock Club Boston, and even a short tour
of Southern California in August, 2007.
Along with the California tour dates came the recording session of
ZHB's debut, self titled album, recorded in Burbank CA, at SoundMoves
Audio with engineer/producer Michael Woodrum. Since its release, the
disc has achieved nationwide radio play, and is currently available on
iTunes, and various other online outlets, in addition to a hardcopy
form.
The band is often complimented on their live shows, which are
invigorated, up-on-your-feet performances. As fellow Boston performer
Damian Shiner commented, "ZHB wins over the room. Everyone in the
club is drawn to them." The distinctive ensemble of talented
musicians that create ZHB make the band a rare blend of style, energy,
and sex appeal. As stated on the website of the favorite hometown
venue, Matt Murphy's, "this is one for the ladies."
Front man Zach Hillyard creates a compelling mystique on keys and
vocals with his insightful lyrical hooks, which range from upbeat
tunes like 'Dharma Bum' and 'All The Same' to piano ballads such as
'Rain Like This.' Bassist Wesley Cole came to the group with
impressive funk chops and a background in production, and he plays a
significant role in the managerial and production aspects of the band.
Another vital feature to the sound of the Zach Hillyard Band is the
influence of international players Italian drummer Francesco Basile
and Niklas Karlsson of Sweden on guitar. Niklas' harmonic and melodic
ear gives songs like, 'Back For More,' ingenious guitar hooks
reminiscent of early Police songs. When drummer Francesco was
interviewed in Feb 2008 prior to the group appearing in the Boston
based "College Clash" event, in which ZHB took home a large cash
prize, Basile commented, "I bring the groove, and energy to ZHB, and
to our fans."
The currently unsigned ZHB is looking forward to sharing their pocket
grooves and infectious melodies with fans across the globe.
The Zach Hillyard Band (ZHB) has played large and small gigs throughout the east coast from the Paradise Rock Club in Boston to the Bitter End in New York.
Currently, the band is planning a move to the southern California area (Sept., 2008) Bookings at the famed Molly Malones as well as the Coach House are already firmed up - look for the band in clubs in San Diego and all over the West coast soon!
