In Step Tribute Band

In Step
During their short existence, "In Step" has dazzled crowds with their performances. Do not let their short existence fool you, however. This band is comprised of veteran musicians whose styles are about as diverse as you can get. When they come together to pay tribute to guitar legend Stevie Ray Vaughan, the talent, passion, and sound of this band will leave a lasting impression. "In Step" covers many styles of music, and the only way to really get an idea of what this band can accomplish is to see and hear them perform live. It is simply an aural delight that leaves all who witness it returning to enjoy even more.
Founding member/guitar/bass & vocals: Jeff Zak
Jeff taught himself bass guitar at the age of eleven. Using an acoustic guitar with only four strings, he learned by listening to "Chicago" and playing along with their records. Peter Cetera and Terry Kath, his first influences, helped mold the sound he has today. By the age of thirteen Jeff knew every Chicago song (seventeen albums worth!) on bass, and by heart. He received an electric bass that Christmas (1986) and he never looked back.
Jeff then taught himself guitar as well as how to read music. Kath, Cetera, Eric Clapton, and Jimi Hendrix were his influences. His life changed, however, when he heard the guitar playing of a then relatively unknown guitarist, Stevie Ray Vaughan. He had the soul of Kath, the smoothness of Clapton, and the flamboyancy of Hendrix—everything Jeff was looking for in a musical mentor. Jeff picked up on Stevie Ray immediately and was soon covering his material all over Chicagoland by the time he was sixteen.
Hearing of Stevie Ray Vaughan's death in 1990, Jeff was devastated. "I found out at school when I called my then girlfriend during my lunch break. I didn't believe her." Jeff began to play more and more in and around Chicago, the surrounding suburbs, and the Illinois tri-state area. His name would be synonymous with the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan for the next fourteen years.
Jeff formally retired from the music business in January of 2004 at the age of thirty. For fourteen years he had given his fans what they wanted . . . the music of Stevie Ray Vaughan. He was tired of the constant gigging and felt it was time to live his life privately. But, in August of 2007 Brian Bridenthal, Jeff's former bassist and friend, convinced Jeff to "put the old band back together" for a one time show opening up for "Kevin Chalfant & The Storm." Jeff was reluctant but dusted off his guitar (which he literally had not touched in three years) and performed to an amazing crowd who couldn't believe their ears. Jeff credits Brian and Kevin for his short retirement. "Kevin looked me in the eye after my set and said, your break is over! So Brian and I decided to start a fresh project with whom we feel are the best musicians we have ever worked. Once again I find myself excited about playing. As a band, we are ready, focused, and all "In Step."



Founding member/ bassist/rhythm guitar/vocals: Brian Bridenthal
Born in Naperville, Illinois, Brian started in music at the age of seven, learning classical music as a French horn player. Brian studied under a major Chicago Symphony Orchestra French horn player—as one of three selected students–from the age of seven to sixteen. In addition to classical music, Brian's interest expanded into the world of jazz as bassist in jazz bands, and he made two records as French horn and jazz bassist before the age of sixteen. Brian attended University of Illinois-Champagne Urbana on a music scholarship in classical music as a French horn player. In recent projects bassist Brian Bridenthal was a founding member/bassist and vocalist for the Allman Bro's tribute "Elizabeth Reed and Big Daddy & The Redliners," out of Brookfield, Illinois. Brian's musical influences come from a wide musical spectrum including greats such as Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Tom T Hall, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Allman Brothers, Frank Sinatra, Sade, Jon Luc Ponty and many others, all contributing to the skills Brian brings to the table as a well-rounded, versatile bassist who can play any style of music. After a short audition to replace their current bassist, Brian continued with the highly-motivated and searing Stevie Ray Vaughan tribute "Jeff Zak & The Cold Shot Band," playing Chicagoland clubs and college venues for eight years, including opening slots for "The Bodeans," Lonny Brooks, Cake, and many other national acts. Brian wrapped up his last tribute as founding member/bassist/vocalist for the great Jimi Hendrix tribute "Crosstown Traffic."
Brian's most current projects include playing in Clique Recording Studio as a session bassist on multiple new artist project recordings for songwriter and award-winning producer Kevin Chalfant. Brian's debut as a session bassist put him on a CD with fifteen-year old harmonica phenom "Haley Crouch & The Comet Blues Band," Brian is also featured on a new Christian Rock CD release by the all star lineup Liberty & Justice, including Kevin Chalfant (The Storm, Alan Parsons Project), Jack Russell (Great White), John Corabi (Ratt), Kelly Keagey (Night Ranger), Tony Carey (Rainbow) and many others. Brian has spent twenty years playing Chicago clubs, rounding out many talented lineups as a solid "in the pocket" bassist with McCartney/Jack Bruce-style bass playing and great vocal harmonies as well as occasional rhythm/lead guitar work.



Keyboard/backing vocals: CJ Joy
Born in New York City, Chris began playing keyboards in a band formed by high school friends. He bought a book called "How to Play Rock 'n' Roll Organ," learned chords and the blues scale, and was off. College brought an exposure to jazz and progressive music, the study of music theory and writing original music. Chris moved to Chicagoland in 2000 and now calls the area home. For the last three years he has been the keyboard player for the rock-funk-progressive group "Little By Large."
A long-time fan of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chris brings a keen ear and strong improvisational skills to the project.



Drums/percussion: "In Step" uses many current accomplished Chicago area drummers, including:



Jim "Beam" Tabor
Gina Knight
Robert "Bam Bam" Lindt