Maurice Scott and his society band. Nemerson Hotel—South Fallsburg, N.Y.
Internet photo.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 in 2008 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.
Read my comment below.
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.”
Before Maurice Scott’s Metropolitan years, he had a long run as bandleader for the Hotel Nemerson in South Fallsburg, NY—the Borscht Belt. He played in the Penguin Club, the first true nightclub among those storied hotels.
While in college I had the privilege of spending two summers there on the athletic staff. But at night I was the spotlight operator high up in the back of the room. So I saw all the shows and met many entertainers. Maurice was wonderful in his rolls as MC, singer, and band leader.
The greatest thrill was when I could get away and sit in the back during rehearsals for that night’s show. Then, before the show I would go backstage for the light cues.
Maurice’s band provided live music for dancing on stage until he would go to the mic and say, “Show time!”
If they asked me, I could write a book.