Customer Reviews

Portable Efo Show

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A truly magical disk. EFO's blend of quirky story-telling lyrics, Outrageous hand percussion, jamming acoustic guitar, and blow-you-away harmony is unlike any "folk" music you thought you knew. Julie's vocals still send goosebumps down to my toes even after 50 + sittings. The energy of this live album will have you singing at the top of your lungs and causing other drivers to stare at you. Oh, well - its too much fun to stop.

I just heard my 1st EFO cut less than 30 minutes ago, while driving home. I was goosebumps all over. Ran in the house & jumped here to buy something of theirs...ANYTHING of theirs!~ I've already highlighted my calender for a live R.I. performance. I remember Joe & Rose-Lee Maphis doing Orange Blossom Special in a tiny night club back in the mid-60's. EFO just gave me the same viscerally exuberant sensation.

If I could be a star, I wouldn't have been the fifth Beatle, I wouldn't have sung with Mic and the Stones, I wouldn't share the stage with Janis, or played energetic rock with Jimmy H. No, if I could be a star I'd be on stage with Eddie, Julie, Robbie, and Michael. The others pail in comparison.

Never have I taken such an instant liking to a group as the liking I've taken to EFO. With tight harmonies any acapella group would envy, with energetic, articulate and shining guitar work, and with a percussionist who gets more out of one jembay drum than many percussionist get from an entire set; you gotta like these guys!

Did I say guys? Julie Murphy-Wells sings with a home-spun passion I've not heard matched. Her quirky, sparkling and playful style seduce and envelop my passions for music.

Yep, if I could be a star, I'd be the fifth "Eddie."

C'mon back to Columbus, Eddie. I've got to hear you perform live again before you get so famous you only play 50,000 seat stadiums.

This two CD set is a wonderful mix of their music, they are a great live show and that is captured on this CD set. It is recorded at some of their regular stops on tour, their audience knows them and responds to their energy. You should really check out this CD even if you don't consider yourself a folk music fan. This is the modern incarnation of Folk.

Portable EFO Show is a generous selection (two discs) of Eddie from Ohio's finest tunes, performed and recorded live--and as any Ed-head will tell you, the quintessential EFO experience is a seeing one of their live shows. Julie Murphy Wells displays a stunning vocal range, and guitarist/vocalist Robbie Schaffer shows he can perform with equal passion both singing lead and backing Julie with tight folk harmony. Michael Clem, who writes many of the group's songs, plays bass, and sings mainly backup, has gentle touch with an electric bass that never seems out-of-place with this band's acoustic sound. And Eddie "from Ohio" Hartness is without question one of the most versatile, talented percussionists out there, getting more sound from a single African drum than most can from a whole drum kit. If you know EFO, you must have this CD. If you don't yet, this double-album is just the introduction you need. Look for the band touring near you!

This is quality music. It's hard to categorize: Kind of Crosby, Stills, and Nashish, a definite bluegrass flavor, and funny. I don't where else to find this kind of music. It's definitely worth finding, though. If you like folk, you like beautiful vocal harmonies, including a deep bass bottom voice in a song, skillful guitar, and contemplative lyrics, this is for you. I'm afraid we've become Edheads!

This was our favorite band of 1998. We discovered them at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in August, and have been seeing them every chance they are in a 100 mile radius of us. Musically diverse, entertaining, imaginative -- with great four part harmonies, driving rythms and the "must see" percussive talents of Eddie Hartness and Julie's impressive vocal instrument. These guys are a lot of fun as well as musically great.

This 2 CD set is the next best thing to being there. Our most listened to CD of the past year. Highly recommended.

To anyone who thinks folk music is "If I had Hammer" stuff -- listen to this CD and learn.

After experiencing EFO from their base in Arlington, VA, I just happen to catch a show in Berkeley, CA (close to where I live.) I thought, "Wow. That was great. I wish I could capture the moment of a truly grassroots, independent band." EFO, thank you for putting out "Portabale EFO Show." Having you guys in my car stereo makes driving fun! All others, buy this CD and get on the mailing list so you too can experience the fun and delight of four wonderful musicians.

After first being introduced to Eddie From Ohio two years ago, I have become hooked. Seeing them perform live is a must and if you can't see them, this box set is the next best thing. Their music defies categorization as they blur all boundaries between folk, rock, blues, and more. They are an amazingly talented group of musicians and singers. Go see them if you get the chance. For the seasoned fan, this album will not disappoint; it is a great way to relive their live performances. I highly recommend it to all listeners both old and new.

Eddie from Ohio is a true joy to see (and hear) perform live! They are joyous, fun, and exciting. I can't think of anything more certain to put a smile on my face!

But this is about "Portable EFO Show." Which is fine, because this CD is as close to perfect a replication of the live experience as I can imagine. I can't think of another album I've heard that has as much spunk and spirit as this one. The EFO brand of folk is perfectly captured here.

So, if you want to hear something thoughtful, uplifting, and just plain cool, this is it.