With a name like “Slate” you’d expect this band to rock. They do. While they live up to that expectation they might also shatter a few others. For one thing with six people in the band they don’t fit the stereotypical band lineup. Add in unique instrumentation like flute provided by Ruth MacCloskey and you’ll see another facet of this group that lends an air of originality.

The thing is, no matter how you look at it the “rock” is out there as the key ingredient. Just check out their myspace page and listen to them covering groups like Led Zeppelin, Journey and Heart and you’ll know they mean business.  When you see them live the experience is even more complete because they plan out their set list and bring the goods in terms of sound and even lighting to create a professional concert experience. You don’t find that a lot in local bands playing covers. It definitely makes Slate stand above the rest.

While you might know Kim MacCloskey’s name best as a local attorney, he is no stranger to the local music scene. MacCloskey’s been playing bass in bands all the way back to the 1970’s with groups like Smuggler. With those kinds of credentials it’s no wonder this band is so strong, but MacCloskey isn’t the only musical ringer on board.

Pat Glass was an original member of this group when they formed in 2007. He had the distinction of playing in The Esquires who might not be the name that Cheap Trick is, but are among the same elite group in that they are one of the few local bands who have earned themselves a name on the national scene. Glass brings his considerable experience along with his keyboard, guitar and vocal talents to the plate in this outfit.

The two remaining original members are both members of MacCloskey’s family, but there’s no nepotism here. They earned their slots in the lineup. Ruth MacCloskey is Kim’s wife and she provides vocals, flute, harmonica, acoustic guitar and percussion. The lead vocals are handled by Jessica Bruneni who is Ruth’s daughter and Kim’s step daughter; and can she sing! All you can say is, “wow!”

Due to complications with Bruneni’s pregnancy earlier this year the group had to take some time off after their start in 2007. Fortunately she gave birth to a healthy child and the band got back together, but not without losing a couple original band members. That meant they had to get some replacements. As usual, Slate rose to the occasion and found themselves some veteran musicians.

Freddie Reyes joined the group to handle the percussion duties. Reyes started playing drums at the age of five and has been at it ever since. His very first band was Respeto and he joined them at the age of twelve. That’s made even more impressive when you consider that the group at one point one a RAMI and are in the Hall of Fame. He was in that band for seventeen years. Kim calls Freddie "The Magician,” because he can't figure out how Freddie does the things he does on that drum kit.

Rounding out the lineup is guitarist Dan Kunzer. He’s been playing since he was very young and has been in many bands in the northern Illinois area. He’s a very talented guitarist and those talents add a lot to the band.

You can look at all that history as sort of a musical resume, but the proof is in the pudding so you need to hear them to fully appreciate it. Check out their myspace page to get a few samples but get out and see them live. You can be sure this is a group that really gains a lot from the whole live music environment.