Swokowski is the ideal front man. He’s never lost sight of his goal since day one. His presence is invigorating. He hasn’t lost faith in his musical vision. He won’t settle for failure.

Matthew Wisniewski/Curb
Ivory keyboardist and lead singer Nathaniel Swokowski refuses to let anything get in the way of his musical aspirations.

“The guy was always about playing and has never once been about anything but committed to music,” Swokowski said.

When Voruda was asked to replace Fuerst as Ivory’s bassist, he was a drummer. A few weeks later he knew every Ivory song to perfection. His confidence is contagious. He puts energy into learning about the technical aspects of music. He’ll diagnose why a pedal is broken or why an amp is buzzing, and his knowledge as a drummer has only added to his talent as a bassist.

“He’s a drummer that’s playing bass and that’s why he’s so good,” Swokowski said. “He knows how to fill the pocket.”

Dengel fills out the foursome as the lead guitarist. Swokowski and Dengel blend their creativities into a tangible harmony of guitar and piano. He helps maintain Ivory’s new optimistic outlook, and rarely stresses about anything.

“He’s so smart at writing hooks on the guitar … he’s damn good and very diverse,” Swokowski said. “Ivory wouldn’t be what it is without him.”

Ivory lost two members and added two replacements since that sultry day in July. They’ve had and lost a record deal and multiple full-length albums. But every time they’ve started over, it’s been for the best.

After three years of trying to fit into a mold, Ivory realized where their creative development has to come from: being themselves.

“The music we play now is Nathan, Tommy, Adam and myself just being completely ourselves and writing exactly what we want,” Swokowski said.

You can listen to Ivory at www.myspace.com/ivoryband.