The Swinging Pachyderms are a Southern Rock band from East Tennessee that has been playing together since the summer of 2005, and most of the band has known eachother most of their life. Since then, they have gradually been developing their sound into what it is today; a newer yet classic Southern Rock sound. The Pachydermsare a five piece band with three guitarists. Needless to say the band has been greatly influenced by bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Drive-By Truckers. Since theconception of the Pachyderms, they have produced a catalog of about 40 original songs between the three song writers Gary Schwenke, Jason Howze, and Corey Schwenke.Their debut album, "The Mash You Made," which included 11 original tunes, was released in February of 2007 and sales have been better than expected. You can buy theCD HERE. Along with playing shows almost every weekend, the band is constantly writing newmaterial and is already planning the recording of their next album which more than likely will be a two disc set due to the amount of material they have written andalso the "eclectic" sound of the songs.
Gary Schwenke makes up one of the three guitarists and also handles most of the lead vocals for the Pachyderms. Gary has been writing songs since 2000 and hiswriting style tends to blend country, folk and rock and roll together into a distinct style of his own.
Mark "Biff" Lafever is another one of the Pachyderms’ guitarist and also provides the backup and harmony vocals on the songs that really give them a distinctsmooth sound. Biff also handles some lead vocals on some of the high lonesome tunes.
Jason Howze is the lead guitarist for the band. Howze is a very talented guitarist who has really helped mold the Pachyderms sound. When you hear the first lick,you know you’re listening to Southern Rock. Howze also writes some of the music for the Pachyderms’ songs and is also writing some songs for the next album and plansto step up to the mic.
Corey Schwenke is actually a guitarist turned bassist which is not necessarily an easy transition to make. But Corey has pulled it off nicely and has progressedquickly as an overall musician. Corey also helps out with some song writing and vocals as well.
Jeremiah Nave is the drummer for the Pachyderms. Jeremiah is an extremely talented musician all around and a very solid drummer with years of experience. Jeremiah is also the man responsible for recording the Pachyderms first album. Now if we can just figure out a way to get him to play drums and Hammond at the same time, we’ll be set.
Collin McHenry is often an honorary member of the Pachyderms, playing shows with the band when he is not fulfilling his obligations in his other band, Spank. Since three guitars just weren’t enough, Collin plays lead guitar and also helps out on vocals. Collin is an extremely talented musician and songwriter and the Pachyderms are always a little more rockin’ when Collin is on stage.
The Swinging Pachyderms are definitely a Southern Rock band, but their influences include anything and everything from bands and artists like Drive-By Truckers,Lynyrd Skynyrd and Johnny Cash to Clutch and Tool. Their varying taste in music is really what gives their music a distinct sound. You can really here the differentstyles being blended into one. The Swinging Pachyderms songs are real. They’re about real people and real life experiences. When you hear the songs they’ll rock,they’ll roll and they’ll tell you some stories that you know to be true and it’s always a "heart achin’ nose bleedin’ good time."