The Craig Swalwell Band

The Craig Swalwell Band

Craig Swalwell

Dean Swyter

JD Mercer

Scott Horn

I am Craig Swalwell a singer, song writer, Guitarist and Vocalist. I have performed and played music to all that listen, "I know it is only Rock'in Roll But I like it", "The Rolling Stones" Craig Swalwell enrolled in a night course at Des Moines Area Community Collage. He took private lessons from Paul Wilson, an accomplished guitarist himself. He formed his first band in 1977. It was a small three piece called the KRS EXPRESS consisting of a drummer, Brad Kahler, bass player, Randy Bowmyster and Craig on guitar. In the late 1980's he formed a variety band called The Rural American Band. It consisted of John Leach, bassist, vocalist, Joe Owen, drummer, Paul Scheller and Craig on guitar and vocals. In the spring of 1994 Craig went into the Prime Time Studio in Des Moines, Iowa and recorded four original tunes. In the late 1990's he formed The 13th Street Band. It was a hard driving, rock'in blues band consisting of keyboardist and saxophonist, Al Rieck, bassist, Larry Sharp.

Growing up on a farm in north-central Iowa, Dean enjoyed all the pleasures of farm life. He attended the University of Iowa (how about them hawks!) spending much of his extra time in various bands, including 2 years in the Hawkeye Marching Band. Dean is now married and has 3 daughters and 2 grandsons. His real job is working in the health care field, but enjoys getting out to honk his sax and lay down some keys. Playing the blues gives him a chance to do some extra jammin since it isn't as structured as other genres.

JD Mercer plays bass and a little guitar with Craig and the band. He has played a variety of musical instruments for over 34 years. He has also played with a variety of bands in several states including: Illinois, Missouri, Michigan and Iowa. Currently he calls Osceola, Iowa his home.

Scott Horn has been performing music since the age of 13. After high school he started his own band at the age of 21 and played the drums and sang with them for 3 years. After a six month break he was asked to join an existing band to play bass guitar and sing lead vocals. He played with this band for about 9 years all around central Iowa, Performing Classic Rock, Rock, and Country favorites. After a 2 and a half year vacation from the live music scene and about a 12 year break from the drums, Scott has joined the Craig Swalwell Band on drums and vocals to help round out this high energy group.