Hailing from Somerville, MA, Sam Reid & the Riot Act is an acoustic-guitar driven rock band with a true bluegrass soul. Traditional elements including fiery virtuouso fiddle, mandolin, flatpicked guitar and three-part vocal harmonies are anchored, modernized and indeed electrified by the addition of electric bass and drums. As Brian M. Owens, publisher of Metronome Magazine, put it when describing the band's diversified sound: "Expounding on influences as varied as bluegrass, rock, jazz and pop, Sam Reid & the Riot Act are redefining the boundaries of acoustic music." With the recent release of their second full-length record, "A Slow Burn" (2012), the band offers up "a heartfelt mix of bluegrass meets country, with a touch of Caribbean soul." It is further described as "an agile collection of slow-burning personal reflection and guitar-led explosions, each with an unforgettable melody and equally memorable story."
Reflecting on the the band's debut release, 2009's "Dreaming the Life" was described as "Mountain music for people who love the beach." -Jeff Wallace, Music Editor at mysecretboston.com. Immersed in the burgeoning, exciting New England Americana scene, Sam Reid & the Riot Act guarantees a jaw-dropping, foot-stomping show, every time they take the stage!
