eddie from ohio
In the years since their last studio album, 2004’s This is Me, the members of Northern Virginia-based EddiE from ohio
have explored separate paths, causing a decrease in EFO tour dates. But, if anything, longer gaps between appearances
have only increased the fervor of Edheads, devoted fans of the eclectic alt-folk group and its mix of energetic acoustic
instrumentation, sweet four-part harmonies and often-playful original lyrics. A swarm of admirers is expected for the quartet’s
August 22nd show at Wolftrap’s Filene Center and August 30th appearance at the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival.
Emerging in the mid-90s, EFO was named Best Contemporary folk Group five times by the Washington Area Music
Association. This is Me, a collaboration with producer Lloyd Maines (also of Dixie Chicks’ Home), put the group on the brink
of national stardom. But vocalist Julie Murphy Wells began a battle against breast cancer in 2005, which stalled EFO’s rise
(after a year of chemotherapy, Wells is now doing well). Since then, bassist/guitarist Michael Clem put out a solo CD and
moved to Charlottesville while percussionist Eddie Hartness focused on audio engineering. Guitarist Robbie Schaefer gained
fame in the world of children’s music and now hosts a show on the XMKids satellite radio station.
Though their current pursuits vary, when they get together, Clem reports, “It’s like riding a bicycle - we’re right back in sync.
We’re more selective with our shows, so we really make it special.”
by dave Timberline
photo here & cover by
Bryn Barber / Virginia Soul records