Speed the Plough have been playing and singing together since 1984. Named after an old Scottish folk song, the group was formed by songwriter John Baumgartner (keyboards, vocals), Toni Baumgartner (vocals, wood- winds) and Marc Francia (guitar). They had previously founded The Trypes, a septet that also featured several members of The Feelies.
The band recorded their first LP, an eponymous 1989 release on Coyote/Twin Tone Records, with production by Feelie Bill Million. The album was re-mixed and re-issued by East Side Digital in 1992.
STP’s second album, Wonder Wheel, saw a reunion with former Trypes and Feelies members Brenda Sauter (bass, vocals) and Stanley Demeski (drums, percussion). Produced once again by Bill Million, the album included contribu- tions from Michael Lipton (guitars), Tony Trishka (banjo), and Million (guitars). Wonder Wheel was released by East Side Digital in 1991.
Between album projects, the band contributed music to two independent films – Strangest Dreams (1990) and Paradise Park (1993).
Mason’s Box, the band’s third album, was released in October, 1993 by East Side Digital. Produced by the band, it was performed by John, Toni, Marc, Brenda and Richard Barnes (guitars) and Christopher O’Donovan (drums, percussion). Musical contributors included Michael Lipton (guitars) and Jimmy Ryan (mandolin).
Speed the Plough’s fourth album, Marina, was recorded between August 1994 and July 1995 and includes elements of all four seasons. In addition to the band, other performers included Demeski (congas, tablas, percussion) and Lipton (guitars). It was produced by the band and Don Sternecker of Mix-o-lydian.
After a long hiatus, the latest incarnation of STP was launched in the Summer of 2009 with John and Toni’s son Mike on guitar and Marc’s sons Ian and Dan on drums and bass, respectively. They recorded Swer ve, the band’s first album in 15 years, which was self-released in May 2010. Later in 2010, they recorded three new songs, dubbed the Summer Sessions, in August 2010. Those songs were released in September.
2011 continues to bring exciting developments. First, Ed Seifert joined the band, bringing his distinctive guitar- picking and vocal talents. And in August, STP will release their sixth full-length album, Shine, on Dromedary Records.