Act of Congress
The music of Act of Congress is, in a word, contagious. Using classic bluegrass instrumentation, AOC strays from tradition, creating an acoustic palette of rock, jazz and folk genres for their listeners. Their latest 4-song EP, "Love Remains", showcases this young quartet’s talent and ability to write and arrange musically and lyrically complete songs that wield a sense of unpredictability. Residing in Birmingham, AL, the four members of Act of Congress are committed to the creation of music that is unique.
Chris Griffin (guitar/dobro/lap steel) and Adam Wright (mandolin/guitar), became friends in college and had more rock-related backgrounds in music. After being exposed to progressive bluegrass music, both became very interested in modulating their rock knowledge to acoustic instruments. In 2006, Tim Carroll (upright bass) was hired to perform on several tracks for Adam’s solo project. An instant friendship and respect developed between the three and the notion to create an acoustic band originated. Almost a year later, Bethany Borg, fiddle champion in ten states, moved to Birmingham for college. After hearing her play at an afternoon rehearsal, the quartet solidified.
Since their banding in May of 2007, AOC has consistently attracted attention in Birmingham’s music scene. Having been featured twice on WBHM’s Tapestry radio program and opening Live Nation’s VIP area for artists such as John Mayer, Toby Keith and Alan Jackson are some of AOC’s finest accomplishments. Also, in a town dominated by an alt-rock music scene, AOC has gained a loyal fan base that faithfully supports them at upper class venues such as Workplay Theatre.
With only a little over half a year of music making, one might mistake this acoustic quartet as having played together their entire lives. The conversational feel of the music creates an unpredictable yet enticing journey for listeners. It may be acoustic, but one thing is for sure - when trying to find music that is refreshingly original and honest, it takes an act of congress.
The 2008 Birmingham Music Award winner Act Of Congress, has worked with Live Nation, opening VIP areas for artists such as John Mayer, Toby Keith, Alan Jackson, and Brooks and Dunn. Their debut album titled "Declaration" produced by Jason Elgin, (Collective Soul, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Lynam) and mastered by Rodger Lian (White Stripes, Deftones, Staind) is scheduled for a September release. AOC has been featured on the 90.3 "Tapestry" program, 102.5 The Bull, AL.com, CBS 42 News, Fox 6 Good Day Alabama,The Birmingham News, The Shelby Reporter, City Scene, Black and White, and was a finalist in the 2007 Cultural Alliance "Grants for Individual Artists" competition. AOC is currently in the running for the 2008 Colgate Country Showdown. Because of their musical diversity (symphony, jazz and bluegrass musicians) they have been a favorite at Birmingham venues such as Workplay and B&A Warehouse, as well as high profile weddings, festivals (City Stages, Do Doh Day, City Fest, Buck Creek, Compound Folk Fest, Earth Day), and corporate events over the last two years. Feel free to view their website (actofcongressmusic.com) and Sonicbids press pack (sonicbids.com/actofcongressmusic).
In 2008 the band performed at City Stages.