Barry Courter's pick for the final night of Riverbend: The Congress

June 18, 2016 at 1:00 a.m. | Updated June 17, 2016 at 9:02 p.m.

by Barry Courter

Just when you think the Congress is simply a soul/pop band, they launch into some trippy rock a la My Morning Jacket or do a version of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly."
Just when you think the Congress is simply a soul/pop band, they launch into some trippy rock a la My Morning Jacket or do a version of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly."

If you go

› What: The Congress› When: 7:45 tonight› Where: Tennessee Valley Credit Union Stage

You've got to see Here Come the Mummies tonight, even if you just watch them parade on stage, but the other band to go see is soul/pop band The Congress. And if you're lucky they'll even do "Killing Me Softly." That's right, the Roberta Flack hit. Seriously.

photo Barry Courter

Lead singer Jonathan Meadows has the pipes - underneath a big, red beard - to pull off not only that song but other covers like The Impressions' "People Get Ready" and Van Morrison's "Into the Mystic."

Lest you think they only do covers and such lovely songs, they've recently been touring with power-packed acts like Tedeschi Trucks Band and Hard Working Americans.

And just when I'm sure the Congress is simply a soul/pop band, they launch into some trippy rock that reminds me of My Morning Jacket, then they throw in a little outlaw country.

It's a good mix of old-school R&B and soul and modern guitar-driven rock, all backing Meadows' powerul and versatile voice.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.

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