With lush harmony, articulate instrumentation and a live show that will leave you speechless, Act of Congress’ musical vistas sweep from the ground breaking sounds of Nickel Creek, Mute Math, and John Mayer to the weaving soundscapes one might find sprinkled throughout Matthew Perryman Jones or Radiohead. Timeless compositions of masterful lyrics and musicianship abound throughout each song, combining vintage acoustic instrumentation with sweeping layers of varied musical roots to create a truly magical experience.
Chris Griffin (guitar/dobro) and Adam Wright (mandolin/guitar), became friends in college. Wright, a pianist turned guitar player turned mandolin player, says ” After being exposed to progressive bluegrass music, Chris and I both became very interested in modulating our singer songwriter/rock knowledge to acoustic instruments. That style evolved from a casual jam to one that requires an extraordinary high level of musicianship,” Says Wright, “The playing is very demanding. This is not a style of music where you can not play for a month then get up and do a show again. We work really hard on keeping the songs up to par. Vocally, it’s equally demanding as well. But in the end, there’s nothing else we’d rather be doing.”
In late 2006, Tim Carroll (upright bass) was hired to perform with Chris on several tracks for Ferret Recording Artist Maylene and the Sons Of Disaster’s II album. A friendship and respect developed between the three, and the notion to create a new progressive acoustic band originated. Almost a year later, Bethany Borg, fiddle champion in ten states, relocated from a two year stint performing in Branson Missouri, and after hearing her play at an afternoon rehearsal, the quartet solidified. Following the release of “Declaration” Borg semi-retired, and was replaced by longtime AoC friend Connie Skellie. But the group never missed a beat, and has since released two more acclaimed CDs: “Worth Fighting For” and “Live at Workplay.”
Act of Congress will be appearing in concert on Friday, August 23, as part of the Sundilla Acoustic Concert Series’ 20th year of bringing the world’s best music to Auburn. The concert will take place at the AUUF; showtime is 7:30, and admission is just $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased for just $12 from Spicer’s Music, Mama Mocha’s Coffee and online atwww.sundillamusic.com. (If Spicer’s and Mama Mocha’s are out of tickets, YOU CAN STILL BUY THEM ONLINE!) There will be free coffee, tea, water and food, though as always attendees are invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer.