AWB are widely regarded as one of the best soul and funk bands in the history of music. Though perhaps best known for their timeless instrumental mega-hit ‘Pick Up the Pieces’ the band’s strength actually lay in their consistently accomplished song-writing. The band took the influences of their R&B heroes – people like Marvin Gaye, James Brown, Donny Hathaway and others – and developed their own ‘authentic’ sound. Notable hits include “Cut The Cake”, “Let’s Go ‘Round Again”, “Schoolboy Crush”, and “Person to Person” to name a few.
The current lineup of the band, with noted US musicians alongside founding members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre, continues to delight audiences and critics alike in its wide – ranging touring. The musical energy and trademark sound are remarkably true to the original, and with constant revisitations and re-workings of AWB’s, and others’ classics in the mix, it is no surprise that the Average White Band is now a multi – generational attraction, and a perennial fixture with so many of the top music venues. Band members are Cliff Lyons (Alto sax, keyboards, vocals), Rob Aries (Keyboard, bass), Onnie McIntrye (Guitar, vocals), Brent Carter (Lead vocals), Alan Gorrie (Lead vocals, bass, guitar), Rocky Bryant (Drums), and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor (Tenor Sax, keyboards, vocals).