Jake Hamm

Artists Jeremiah “JC” Mothersell, a fourth year Advertising and Public Relations major on vocals, harmonica, guitar and occasionally piano. Ben Sharon, a fourth year Electrical Engineering major on bass. Tim George, a 2008 Information Technology alumnus on tenor sax. Chris Daniels, a fifth year Software Engineering major on drums. Tom Ward, a first year Mathematics major on trumpet. Darryle Brown, a fourth year Business Management major on alto sax.

This band’s sophisticated musical palette comes from each member of the band’s individual cultures and influences. While the bassist and brass instrumentalists draw from their own jazz roots, a folk and bluegrass influence can be seen. “Bob Dylan is my idol, which is why I learned the harmonica,” notes Mothersell. Much to their disapproval, their sound is often compared to that of Dave Matthews Band.

The majority of the songs they play are Mothersell’s original compositions, which often tell stories. One original, “Chances of Jay and Jenny,” is described by the band as being about two people who stay in one place for too long and it ruins them. The style and feel of the song is comparable to “That Was A Crazy Game of Poker” by O.A.R., in that the main character of the song bets on chance and ends up losing everything.

“Aim Right” is a bluegrass and jazz marmalade written by Mothersell. When asked to describe it, he merely explained, “Sometimes you just can’t aim right and you need to write a song about it.” Mothersell refused any further clarification as to what he had been aiming for.

One of the few covers that Jack Swift has made their own is “Plastic Jesus,” written and popularized by The Goldcoast Singers. Their version is a lighthearted mixture of folk and alternative and is also one of the band’s most requested songs. “I can’t seem to escape this song during shows,” explained Mothersell. Whether by himself or with the band, “Plastic Jesus” always seems to make its way onto the playlist.

The band’s name, “Jack Swift,” was derived from one of Mothersell’s stage names as a solo artist. It ultimately won out over the alternatives such as “Ben and The Professas.” The senior members (George, Brown, and Mothersell) met during Tiger Idol in 2006. Their first performance together took place at CAB’s Friday Night at the RITz later that year. However, their most recent member, Ward, was only recently discovered. “I saw Tom rocking [the trumpet] at a jam session. Since our old [trumpet] player graduated and this stuff is pretty much written for the instrument, I asked him to play with us,” explained Mothersell.

Currently, Jack Swift is looking into bookings with The Statesman Pub in Geneseo and the possibility of being hired as the house band for Jitters Cafe, which is located off Jefferson Road in South Town Plaza.

Website myspace.com/jackswiftband