Locals "Eddie From Ohio" - the best in Folk Harmony

Back in 1992 when we were house hunting in the Fredericksburg area, my husband and I spent an evening in a pub in the old downtown district called The Irish Brigade. It became a favorite hangout once we moved there, but that night we were just looking for a bite and a pint. We became more than pleasantly surprised when we were graced with the fun lyrics, engaging harmony and beautiful vocals, especially of the female member of a group called "eddie from ohio."

Eddie Hartness, Robbie Schaefer, Michael Clem and Julie Murphy were then and are still known affectionately to fans as EFO and just happen to be an all Virginia quartet who grew up in the McLean area. Robbie and Michael (as proved by some web site photos) attended Lewinsville Elementary and McLean High School. Julie (now Julie Murphy Wells) went to Marshall and Eddie to W&L in Arlington.

That night was terrific and we chatted with the band enough to discover the McLean connection (not to be confused with the French-type Connection), and in Julie we found a fellow Virginia Tech Alum. (The guys went to JMU.)

Although the chatting was fun, it was their music that was the real entertainment. They performed a few recognizable tunes, but their original songs were the heart of the show, many of which are met with applause and audience-joined voices when played at concerts today.

As I was reviewing our EFO musical collection for this post, I played some favorite selections that are representative of their unique style that is most-closely called folk music. This is evidenced by their participation in Folk Festivals across the country. But "folk" is by no means a complete description of their music which includes flavors of standards, country, light rock, Irish and Blue Grass. This combination is, at least in part, what gives "Eddie From Ohio" their character and devoted following. They are not a copy, but singly and together are originals providing a continued freshness making them a band to see over and over.

From that evening in '92 to today you will hear them sing about various topics, sometimes fun and often emotional, but highly-requested and classic EFO songs let you know where home is - Virginia. Recorded live at the Birchmere on April 14, 1992 is an early song which tells the story of "The Three Fine Daughters of Farmer Brown," who were "Breakin' hearts in Halifax County." And, some of the cleverest and most endearing lyrics to any Virginian (and McLeanite) must be from "Old Dominion" - an anthem celebrating the love and beauty of their home state. I would like to provide you all the words to this great song, but you'll have to go to their web site at http://www.efohio.com/ and order the CD "Looking Out the Fishbowl." But as a teaser, here are some selected lyrics (Clem, J. Fish Music/ASCAP):


"You think that autumns in New England are the
greatest of them all
but give me sweet Virginia for the fireworks of Fall"
...

"When you're talking home, you mean the Old Dominion
Just southeast of Heaven to the surf and the hills
She's the best of 13 sisters and 37 more
Sweet sweet Virginia always keeps and open door"


Among this group's credits are 9 CDs (plus solo releases), numerous Folk Festivals, coast to coast shows including the Birchmere and Wolf Trap, satellite radios sessions (check out The Loft at XM 50) and concerts with "Toad the Wet Sprocket," Jonatha Brooke and others.

I don't know how many times we've seen them, but in addition to the great venues already mentioned, early in their career we caught them at small NoVA clubs/restaurants (including several in Fredericksburg), and most recently at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg. They play to hundreds or thousands, but always with the same enthusiasm.

As well as history, bios and photos worth taking a look at (like those of Mike and Robbie at Lewinsville Elem), EFO's web site has a current schedule, CDs , and links to their individual sites.

For a great evening of music with a plus, I can't recommend them more highly. We love "Eddie From Ohio" and I think you will, too!!