The Songwriter Series: Moors and McCumber

James Moors and Kort McCumber grew up in different places and listening to different kinds of music – classical, rock, bluegrass, you name it. But when they met ten years ago they knew they’d found something golden. Since then, they’ve been cultivating their wide-ranging musical influences in songs that delve into love and life through haunting lyrics, soaring harmonies, and dazzling instrumental proficiency.  Most of their songs are co-written and feature both on lead and harmony vocals. They are multi-instrumentalists, playing guitar, ukulele, mandolin, cello, fiddle, bouzouki, harmonica, and many more. 

   “We don’t have a song that’s 100 percent country,” says James. “Or rock. Or bluegrass.  We are hitting on a lot of these things, but our records aren’t ‘one of each.’ All of these different influences that have shaped each of us are blended together.”

   Kort adds, “We incorporate elements of various American roots music styles, including country, roots-rock, folk, bluegrass, R&B and blues. More recently, we’ve also been influenced heavily by Irish music.” This is evidenced by the highly popular musical tours of Ireland which they lead several times per year. Tickets: $15

“Kort and James switch it up with the instruments creating massive melodies. Their voices are magnificent and harmonize beautifully. Perhaps there’s no shortage of singer/songwriter duos, but…Moor and McCumber are in a league of their own."

-Melissa Collins, Indiemunity

View Moors and McCumber’s excellent harmonies:

 “Leaving for Cobh”