With a new band member adding dynamic vocals to its jazz-fueled approach, Third Coast Swing views its latest album as “a real stepping stone.” Get the back story, listen to the band at Local Spins.
Swinging Into a Robust New Era: Third Coast Swing. (Courtesy Photo)
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Northern Michigan’s Third Coast Swing has stepped into a new era with the release of its latest album, “Stompin’ at Griswold.”
Known for its dedication to the music of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of Paris, the Ludington-based band’s new record brings a fresh twist with the addition of vocalist Ella Plummer. Featuring seven jazz standards reimagined in the band’s eclectic style, the album stands as a testament to Third Coast Swing’s evolving sound and creativity.
“We started out as a Hot Club group playing Django music exclusively,” explained Stephen Plummer, the band’s founder and guitarist. “After three or four years, we kept hearing we should add a singer to the band and we finally did.”
Ella Plummer and Third Coast Swing (Courtesy Photo)
The band’s newest member, Ella, joined not long ago after marrying the group’s rhythm guitarist, Kaedin. Even before their marriage, the two shared a natural harmony, working on several Ella Fitzgerald songs and bonding over their mutual love of music.
This journey led to “Stompin’ at Griswold,” recorded live at Griswold Studio, tucked away in Hart, Mich. The album showcases the band’s seamless blend of 1930s Hot Club charm with mid-century swing, featuring tracks such as “Stella By Starlight,” “There Will Never Be Another You” and “Lullaby of Birdland.”
“We aren’t just taking the songs as they were played,” added Stephen Plummer. “We’re adding our own arrangements with our own style. The new album is full of jazz standards, but we’ve made them our own.”
Ella Plummer’s vocals also bring a new and dynamic layer to Third Coast Swing, drawing on influences from jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Billie Holiday.
“People don’t always recognize these songs without the words right away,” Ella Plummer said. “Adding vocals has really brought a new life to the music, making it more relatable and recognizable.”
The album’s creation was also a true family affair, with Ella recording some tracks while pregnant with her son, and even finishing others with him strapped to her back.
“It was a fun process,” she said. “But singing while pregnant made for quite the challenge.”
LISTEN: Third Coast Swing, “Lullaby of Birdland”
The band’s mission, Kaedin said, was to recreate the sound of the 1950s swing era while adding Ella’s vocals and also experimenting with electric guitars.
“We wanted to capture the vibe of the decade we were inspired by, stepping away from our acoustic roots,” he said.
The album’s live recording process adds yet another layer with an authentic, intimate feel, with every instrument and voice tracked together.
Busy Live Schedule: The band plays regularly at Grand Rapids’ Old Goat, with dates across Michigan. (Photo/Chuck Andersen)
“It’s real and raw,” added Stephen. “Even though the songs are standards, there’s plenty of improvisation that makes them uniquely ours.”
With “Stompin’ at Griswold” now streaming and available on CD, Third Coast Swing is eager to take its music on the road.
The band’s calendar currently includes regular Friday and Saturday performances at The Old Goat in Grand Rapids, along with a host of other upcoming shows, including Lucy’s in Grand Haven on Saturday (Dec. 14), The Mitten Club Christmas Party in Ludington on Dec. 22, and a Django Reinhardt Birthday Celebration at The Ark in Ann Arbor on Jan. 16. View a full list of performances online here.
“This album is a real stepping stone,” Ella said. “It’s about getting comfortable as a group with a new member and preparing for future originals and arrangements.”
For Stephen, the goal is simple: “We’re psyched about the album. It’s sounding great, and we’re pumped to share it with as many people as possible.”
VIDEO: Third Coast Swing, “I Can’t Give Anything But Love” (Live)
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