Exactly
whose fault was it? Most people blame
John Miele. Back around 1980, he had
the idea that a dilapidated old upright piano might add a touch of needed
class to “Eastwick’s”, the seedy neighborhood bar he owned with Drew Eastwick.
He approached Jack with the notion of providing entertainment for his
patrons by doing battle with the ivory-toothed beast.
Jack agreed, but he wanted an accomplice to share the experience, so
he asked
That was
before the shirts. Remember the Eighties?
Popular music was dominated by loud guitar-oriented groups with lots
of hair, makeup, and costumes. But
our boys rebelled against that trend. Just
sax, piano, and string bass. They donned
loud Hawaiian shirts covered with palm trees and elephants.
These shirts, and the trio’s prodigious appetites, long memories, slow
movements, and thick skin inspired them to rename themselves "The Pachyderms".
As their notoriety spread, they evolved beyond the cozy confines of
Eastwick’s. But they needed a pounding, plodding drum beat
to reach the next musical level.
Augie had written several songs over the years that fit The Pachyderms’ developing style He began to work his distinctive gravelly vocals into the act with "Time to Get Lucky", "Spring and a Young Man's Fancy", and "Misfits and Malcontents". As their sound congealed, they began to write songs together. "I Like to Eat" was penned one hungry evening. "Face It, Gladys" recalls the events of one memorable night at the Turning Point, and was written on the spot.
Now, Jack
and Gary could sing every bit as badly as Augie, and soon demanded their share
of the vocal spotlight, trading verses and adding their signature three-part
harmonies, as can be heard on "Swingin' On a Star".
The Pachyderms discovered an affinity for Louis Jordan, as his songs
not only suited their musical style, but their outlook on life as well.
Over the years, many of Mr.
The Pachyderm Philosophy emerged when they realized that there are only three essentials in life: Food, Love, and Money (necessarily in that order). Their repertoire, their stage show, their songwriting, their entire persona became a musical quest for these three elements. The Pachyderms were no longer just a musical group, but a way of life. "Jack Benny (A Cheapskate's Lament)", "Doin' The Pachyderm Stomp", “The Coffee Song”, and "Big Butts Are Back In" illustrate this focus.
For over twenty years, The ‘Derms have entertained and enlightened, confounded and offended. They have refused to be stylish or current. They have often refused to sing on key. They have refused to make it big and forget where they came from. But they have never refused a meal.