The Marshall Ford Swing Band

It’s About Dam Time

There’s something about hearing musicians in their 20s perform swing tunes more than twice their age and really nailing it. The affection the Marshall Ford Swing Band has for the music comes through both in its originals and the covers which makes listening to the debut a joy. The local quintet’s secret weapon is Emily Gimble, renowned fiddler Johnny’s granddaughter, whose remarkable voice seems transported straight from the 1940s. The twin guitars of Greg Harkins and Jeremy Wheeless go a long way toward establishing MFSB’s bona fides as well, replicating the Bob Wills sound with dexterity and confidence. Curiously, Marshall Ford was a place on Lake Travis that was replaced by Mansfield Dam, apropos considering the historical nature of the band’s music. Cover choices “Marie” and “I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire” seem just a bit obvious, but otherwise It’s About Dam Time is a devilish opening act. (Wed., 9:30pm, Momo’s.)

***

This article appears in March 19 • 2010.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US