Maurice Scott and his society band. Metropolitan Hotel c. 1960’s. Blogfinger file photo courtesy of the Scott family. ©  Hotel photographer unknown.

By Paul Goldfinger, Editor@Blogfinger

Most hotels in resort areas such as Asbury Park and the Borscht Belt (Catskill Mountains) had their own bands because ballroom dancing was popular in that era and because guest entertainers needed backup. Maurice Scott, a highly regarded New York bandleader and trumpet player, worked with the biggest names in entertainment in Manhattan, but in the summer he would perform at the Metropolitan, a well known hotel in A. Park, which was torn down about six years ago after being closed for a number of years.

He and his family stayed in the hotel all summer, and the life of a musician there was very good.  They played music at night, often backing up well known singers and dance teams.  During the day they enjoyed the amenities of the hotel.  Maurice also was a fine singer and master of ceremonies. His trumpet playing was remarkable, with a big sound reminiscent of Harry James.

And, speaking of memories, don’t forget “Stardust Memories” a film by Woody Allen shot in Ocean Grove and Asbury Park.

Here’s a link to the 2011 Blogfinger post about that film. Photos from the video by Paul Goldfinger.

Stardust Memories Blogfinger post 2016

VINCE GIORDANO AND THE NIGHTHAWKS  with “Stardust”    The trumpet solo sounds like Maurice Scott in his prime.  This version is from the film soundtrack “The Aviator.”