The Story of Schwae
 
   Many years ago, a legend, a star, a myth was born: and this legend was
known as  Yul Brynner . Many years after that, and having no bearing on this
event whatsoever, G.G. Schwae was formed.
   In the fall of '96, guitarists James Hearne and Dan Drago, bassist Tommy
McGary, keyboardist Duncan Lowne, and drummer Tony Schelin played the first
of many gigs to come, at a
party at James' house. It was cut short when
then-keyboardist Duncan Lowne put his hand through a window. From these
humble beginnings, Schwae has grown and flourished. Throughout their first
two years of existence, the band shuffled players, featuring at different
times Matt Foley and Ryan Lukas on bass, Matt Swagler on keyboards and
guitar, and Matt D'Accursio on guitar. In the summer of 1998, Tommy and Matt
Swagler played their final gig with G.G. Schwae at the infamous Barn Show.
Needing to shore up the parts, Dan grudgingly moved to bass, where he
remains. (And don't worry, everyone parted amicably).
   The band as it now stands has James on guitar and vocals, Dan on bass
and vocals, and Tony on drums, and has strayed far from the original ideas
behind the band. From their simple garage-pop beginnings, they have emerged
a fusion of rock, pop, and improvisation that makes every show unique and
exciting; blending four minute rockers with 15 minute improvisations
seamlessly, the band continues to explore music in new and rich ways,
allowing the moment to feed the melodies. Their live shows are high energy,
but casual and relaxed;
from Dan and James bantering with the audience and making up songs on the
spot, to the tight harmonies and fluid jams that grow from the songs, seeing
G.G. Schwae is an experience not easily forgotten.
   Their first album, "Go Figure," on their own label, Platypus Records, is
in higher demand than the band's production can match, and they hope to
record again soon, to make a recording more telling of their current musical
status. Although the band's roots lie in Rochester, NY, they are breaking
into Ithaca, NY, and hoping to branch out further. Look for G.G. Schwae in
your town, or better yet, book us yourself!