At college graduation, worrisome changes loom — careers, locations and life — bringing questions about what things will remain.
For the five members of Smooth Old-Fashioned High, two things remained with them: music and friends.
Smooth Old-Fashioned High formed in 2002 when the members were attending the University of Idaho. Despite their slow start and many changes in band members and sound, they quickly earned a reputation for their energetic, rambunctious live performances where the band and the crowd partied side-by-side.

They did well in various Battle of the Bands contests over the following two years, went into the studio to record some demos and meanwhile continued to play at bars and parties around Moscow.
“They’re good on CD,” former Smooth Old-Fashioned High member Zack O’Connor said, “But they’re so great live.”

After graduation, when the members went on to do their own thing, the future of the band was unsure, but when all the members ended up with jobs in Boise, they continued to play.
Like the members themselves,  the group’s sound began to mature and refine with each member honing his own talents and taking the band more seriously.

“We all have full-time jobs now,” vocalist Patrick Crozier said, “But if we could make money by just playing and going on the road, I think everyone would drop their job.”
On Sept. 6, after nearly a year of writing, playing and experimenting, Smooth Old-Fashion High released its second CD, “What’s Good?”

They said it’s their best recording to date and have sent it to various record labels in an effort to find one that will give them a deal.
“We don’t really know what we’re doing, so we’re just sending CDs out, hoping to get picked up,” Crozier said.
The 13-track CD is a compilation of 10 new songs and three taken over from their first record. It can be heard in the detail of this album that these former frat boys playing for alcohol-induced fun have become men who have realized their talents. They have welcomed mandolins, banjos, organs and violas into their sound as well as a female back-up singer on selected tracks.

“Their sound is a lot tighter. It is really clean, plus they added some cool new elements,” O’Connor said.  “I think they’re going to make it if they keep doing what they are doing.”
It is difficult to put a finger on how to classify their sound. With Crozier’s soaring voice and Nick McDowell’s bluesy guitar, the jazz and blues influences are evident. Yet there’s an overtone of solid rock and the rhythm of old funk. It’s dynamic and distinct, far from the standard drums, guitar and bass band.  Crozier defines it as “booze-rock.”

Up next for the band is the Think Pink’s Concert for the Cure Nov. 8 in Boise. The breast cancer research benefit is a cause they have supported before and for which MacDowell’s wife sits on the committee.
“I have a vested interest in saving the boobs,” said Crozier.
The band plans to make a trip to Moscow to perform some time this fall.

Only registered users can write comments.
Please login or register.