Lead guitarist Jack Slater propels the Machine’s hard driving, funky sound. His combination of tasteful phrasing and searing licks stems from his diverse musical taste, which includes artists from genres such as blues, rock, soul, funk, jazz fusion, and even bluegrass. His biggest influences include Marcus King, D’Angelo, Chris Buck (Cardinal Black), Stevie Wonder, Cory Wong, Black Sabbath, and The Black Crowes. Live, he channels this diverse mix of artists into a powerful and distinctive sound.

Jack’s wide range of musical experience derives from playing hundreds of shows in both North Carolina and Georgia. Representative venues include the Coca Cola Roxy, Hard Rock Cafe, The Neighborhood Theater, Heist Brewery, and Madlife Stage and Studios. In addition, Jack has performed electric guitar renditions of the National Anthem at semi-professional stadiums and arenas. Finally, Jack serves as a member of the board of directors for the Charlotte Blues Society. In this capacity, he works hard with other members of the society to keep blues music alive for generations to come.