Camaraderie of McCumber
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
By Aaron Davis
Jackson Hole, Wyo.-The Rocky Mountain circuit is not the easiest region to log tens of thousands of road miles as a nomadic musician. Just ask singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Kort McCumber. With a personality that fits the mountain life vibe and the ability to convert a sense of place into a catalog of crafty Americana songs, McCumber chose Boulder, Colo. over Nashville nearly a decade ago.
“The mentality is a little different in the Southeast, and the competitiveness of Nashville was hard to take,” McCumber said. “People around here are open to pushing the envelope rather than keeping the music rigid, and I like the camaraderie of musicians here.”
McCumber has made Jackson a regular stop for the last few years, and the camaraderie of our local scene has provided a welcoming affection. McCumber’s touring band ranges from solo to trio, with Colorado shows seeing up to six members. So scooping up some local talent is a great way to explore new ensemble arrangements while saving space in the vehicle.
“I met Kort about 10 minutes before one of his shows at the Wort,” said Driggs musician Greg Creamer. “I didn’t know any of his material, but ended up having a smokin’ evening. He has some really cool, syncopated backbeat rhythms.”
Creamer will once again join McCumber along with his tourmate, Wisconsin folk songwriter, James Moors. This time, the word has spread even further. Top-notch Teton Valley players Thomas Sneed (mandolin) and Ted Wells (banjo, pedal steel) will also join the ensemble at points through the two-night stint at the Silver Dollar Bar. Moors and McCumber will be making their way from Colorado via Salt Lake City and a set in Park City at the Access Film-Music Showcase.
“I’ve debated whether I should be touring the Rockies in winter. The snow and ice are obstacles that force you to add a couple of hours to drive time, but I love playing in the mountains,” McCumber said. “People seem to be more appreciative in the smaller towns.”
The Moors-McCumber mash, like a top-shelf bourbon, can be smooth and sophisticated or downright intoxicating. Equal parts folk, rock, roots, blues and country, the blend works well. Moors handles the 12-string guitar, while McCumber travels with six-string guitar, mandolin and bouzouki. The non-formula of these indie singer-songwriters enables the artist to give each song the treatment it deserves—the essence of Americana.
McCumber has released seven albums, six of them solo, as well as the DVD Live Licks from the Boulder Theater. Feeling a gravitation towards blues-rock, McCumber co-wrote tunes with Moors and Kevin DeForrest to produce the spring ’09 release of Ain’t the Same as Before. There’s a real Darrell Scott/John Hiatt vibe to the recording, and you can bet on some fine pickin’ when they showcase the tunes live. JHW
Kort McCumber Band performs, 7:30 to 11 p.m., on Friday and Saturday at the Silver Dollar Bar in the Wort Hotel. Free. 733-2190.
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Camaraderie of McCumber | Planet JH News Article: Music Box
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