Vocals, Keys, Arrangements -- Cliff Ernst.  Cliff hails from Oklahoma, where his mom taught him to read music before he could read words. His classical music training continued through piano lessons, concert bands and church choirs until high school. Then he joined a rock band and forgot all that good music education. He always loved R&B but never played or sang it until founding RC in 2004. He aint lookin' back .




Vocals, Drums -- Walt Brewer.  Walt, another Okie, has a degree in drums and percussion from North Texas State University.  He played in the venerable North Texas Jazz Band before going on the road as a professional drummer -- lastly with the Jody Grind.  http://www.answers.com/topic/the-jody-grind    In 2002 Walt was featured on a critically acclaimed CD for kid's CD called "Big Rock Rooster"  http://cdbaby.com/cd/daddyagogo3.  RC lured Walt out of retirement by promising him lots of gigs and girlfriends.  He's gotten some gigs.




Vocals, Guitar -- Rich Adelman.  Rich grew up in Pennsylvania, not far from Route 66.  He started his musical training as a classical guitar player.  He soon switched to rock and blues and, after moving to Texas, played with a number of country western bands.  Rich, is a great blues guitar player and we are helping him get in touch with his funky R&B side and he is teaching us a few country licks.




Bass, Vocals -- Steve O'Brien.


Trumpet -- Dave Lee.


Trumpet -- Terry Armstrong.  Terry, a Houston, Texas boy, was a top gun fighter pilot until he gave up jets for the trumpet.  He has played big band style trumpet around Central Texas for several years. He started rocking with Rhythm Congress in 2005.




Alto Sax, Trombone, Etc.  -- John Wilson.  John, born and raised in South Austin like Rhythm Congress, taught music in the Round Rock Independent School District for 24 years. But even that didn't prepare him for the RC experience. He showed up one night to sit in for an hour and he never left. And we're grateful. If John can't play it, it aint worth playin'.




Tenor Sax, Alto Sax -- Shon Saliga.  Shon is from Alabama and he was the first horn player to join Rhythm Congress. His wailin', growlin' tenor saxophone sound is almost always front and center of any Rhythm Congress arrangement. If you hear a high pitched crazy screamin' fan during an RC set, that's probably just Shon hitting the "high A" again.



Tenor Sax, Alto Sax -- Ernie Campos.

Baritone Sax -- Mike Crouch.  Mike was born in South Carolina and raised in Austin. His wife is part of a big Italian family full of musicians. She gave Mike saxophones and saxophone lessons so he wouldn't be left out. He took to it. That was almost 20 years ago! No classic R&B band would be complete without a boomin' bari sax. When Mike hits his low A -- the Congress Avenue bats take cover. Since joining RC, Mike has established a new business, manufacturing and selling custom pro-quality saxophones. Click here to learn more:  http://www.macsax.com/