The Swift

Infobox Musical artist
Name = The Swift


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Background = group_or_band
Origin = Rocky Mount, North Carolina, U.S.
Genre = Christian, Pop, Rock, Alternative
Years_active = 2002-2006
Label = Flicker Records
Associated_acts =
URL = http://www.the-swift.com/
Current_members = Mike Simons - Vocals, Bass
Britt Edwards - Vocals, Piano
Mike Simons - bass guitar and vocals
Guy Lemon - drums/percussion
Past_members = Trae Drose - Drums (until 2006)
Chris Byers - Guitar (til 2003)

The Swift was a contemporary Christian pop/rock band, originally formed in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in the late 1990s.

History

In the early 1990s Britt Edwards, Jason Light, Dwayne Coppedge, and Wes were singing in the band Christ Denomination (or CD Boys). At times the band invited such friends as Jason Brown (Sessoms) and Adam Stone to perform with them. This was one of the first Christian bands that Edwards would be in. Christ Denomination performed original songs as well as covers (DC Talk was a favorite). CD Boys split. Jason Light went on to be a Sherrif's Deputy, marry his sweetheart, Ginger, and have two children. He is presently doing sales and serving the Lord. Jason went on to start No Ticket, No Problem, a free concert that featured such artists as T-Bone, Christafari and the Swift. Wes continued in music in the Raleigh area. Dwayne Coppedge joined the Anchormen (a popular Southern Gospel band) and is now serving in a local church with his wife and two kids.

While Christ Denomination was ending, Regeneration X was beginning in a local baptist church with a few teens, Danny Daughtridge (vocals/bass/song writer), Mike Simons (drums) and Matt Wilder (lead guitarist). Regex, as they were known by locals, sounded like a teen garage band at the time. Jason Williams was free from any band obligations so he joined Regex as a rhythm guitarist to give them a fuller sound. Britt Edwards was asked to join the band after a party in the back yard of a mutual friend, Christ Turner. A great musical shift in the band occurred when Adam Stone was asked to join and play drums (also Animal played for a short while as well). This proved to be one of the greatest gifts to Mike Simons. He moved to percussion and expressed his giftedness in one of the meanest harmonica solos this side of heave. Over the next three years the 14 year old Simons would become an accomplished percussionist, bassist, guitarist and even, a banjo player. Regex took off in the local area and created a large fan base.

Soon though Wes and Dwayne Coppedge formed Zaccheus' Tree. With promises of a record deal and an opportunity to do something new and exciting, Matt Wilder and Mike Simons left Regex and the band was no more.

With Daughtridge and Edwards bandless the two friends soon started meeting together and writing/recording music. Jason Williams would join them in their efforts at times. They called themselves "Puddleglum" after the C.S. Lewis character in "The Chronicles of Narnia". Chris Byers replaced Jason Williams and Phillip Wall was brought in as a lead guitarist. Byers' college buddy, Trae Drose, became the permanent drummer around the same time. Danny Daughtridge left (and now performs as the Danny Daughtridge Trio) and was replaced by Wall's brother-in-law, Phil Sabella, who would later go on to form Oldmangrady with Lee Modlin and Joe Knowles. After Zaccheus' Tree broke up, Mike Simons joined as percussionist and vocalist. Phillip Wall left to attend seminary and the band continued as a four-piece. As the band began to tour, it gained popularity which fueled the need for original music and a record label.

In 2002, the group decided to sign on with Flicker Records and changed their name to The Swift. That same year the band released their self-titled album which produced two top ten Contemporary Christian hits: "Under The Sun" and "More Than Gold." Shortly after their album release, The Swift picked up touring dates opening up for the popular Christian band, Mercy Me.

Early 2004 brought about a line-up change. Guitarist Chris Byers decided to leave the band and was replaced by Justin Sharbono (formerly of [Superchick|Superchic [k] fame). The Swift then released their second album entitled "Today".

After only seven months with the band, guitarist Sharbono left the band to pursue other interests. In order to fill the void, the band decided to reach back into their hometown and added guitarist Matt Wilder (also from Zaccheus' Tree) to the roster in December 2004. Drummer Trae Drose announced his decision to leave the band in May 2006. He has been recently replaced by Guy Lemon.

In 2006, the band broke with Flicker Records and signed with Rocketown Records and released a softer, more contemplative album, "Singing Back to You." At the Life Conference in Orlando, Florida the band announced that they were breaking up and the worship concert they gave would be the last performance of The Swift.

Band members

The band's current lineup consists of:

* Britt Edwards - piano and vocals (1998-present)
* Matt Wilder - guitar (2004-present)
* Mike Simons - bass guitar and vocals (1998-present)
* Guy Lemon - drums/percussion (2006-present)

Former members

* Phillip Wall - guitar (1998-2001)
* Chris Byers - guitar (1998-2004)
* Justin Sharbono - guitar (2004)
* Trae Drose - drums/percussion(1998-2006)

Discography

Studio albums

* "The Swift" (2002)
* "Today" (2004)
* "Singing Back to You" (2006) [ [http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/SingingBackToYou.asp Jesusfreakhideout.com: The Swift, "Today" Review ] ]

Indie albums

* "Greatest Hits (as Puddleglum)" (1999)
* "Strange (as Puddleglum)" (2001)

References

External links

* [http://www.the-swift.com Band Homepage]
* [http://shop.planetwisdom.com/theswift/index.cfm The Swift albums on PlanetWisdom]