Self-described “‘30s inspired jazz-country band comprised of four Berklee College of Music alums,” Mornin’ Old Sport (Kate Smeal on vocals and ukulele, Jeff Price on drums and production, Scott Nanos on vocals, guitar, bass and keys) took their band name from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. And, when it comes to influences, they claim Gene Autry and Doris Day, among others.
But Mornin’ Old Sport isn’t embarrassed in the least that their “music oozes with ‘vintage verses’ that render audiences with a taste of American-music history” (as their bio claims). Embracing that aesthetic, the band’s 2011 three-song EP is called Your Grandparents Will Jam To These Tracks.
Phonographs, pipe tobacco, polished wing tips, kick pleats, reg neckerchiefs, lasso tricks, leather-bound books, front parlors and sugar-dusted lemon squares all live somewhere within in the ambling, crackly songs.
Check out “Katie,” a preview for an upcoming project here:
Hopefully Mornin’ Old Sport knows that their hero, Fitzgerald, spent some time in Asheville (drinking and writing on the fourth floor of the Grove Park Inn). Even if not, it seems fitting that they’ll perform so close to the celebrated writer’s stomping grounds. Mornin’ Old Sport plays Jack Of The Wood on Tuesday, July 31. 9 p.m., $5.
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