Todd Sheaffer
Biography
from http://toddsheaffer.com/bioandpress/index.html "Todd Sheaffer is no stranger to the road. Initially known for his acclaimed "front man" work as lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the popular quintet From Good Homes, and now his current role as lead singer/songwriter of new-grass sensation Railroad Earth, Sheaffer has been bringing his music to thousands nationwide for over a decade now. Todd began his career in music while still in college in New York City. Performing in downtown...
from http://toddsheaffer.com/bioandpress/index.html
"Todd Sheaffer is no stranger to the road. Initially known for his acclaimed "front man" work as lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter with the popular quintet From Good Homes, and now his current role as lead singer/songwriter of new-grass sensation Railroad Earth, Sheaffer has been bringing his music to thousands nationwide for over a decade now.
Todd began his career in music while still in college in New York City. Performing in downtown clubs, Todd was hired and began a three year stint as lead guitarist/harmony singer for the Jack Hardy band - touring extensively in Europe and recording two albums for the German label Entente.
Following this apprenticeship, and ripe with a growing body of original work, Todd joined with two former high school bandmates and two new friends and formed From Good Homes. From Good Homes developed into a substantial touring and recording band. The band’s four albums are as follows: "Hick-Pop Comin’ at Ya’"(GRRrrr, 1993), "Open up the Sky" (RCA, 1995), "Live at Waterloo" (RCA, 1997), and "From Good Homes" (RCA,1998).
In 1998, the band received an achievement award from Billboard and Irving Plaza for the most consecutive sold-out performances ever (12) at this respected NYC venue. From Good Homes' annual summer concerts at Waterloo Village (Stanhope, NJ) have brought crowds exceeding 5,000 for the past seven years. Another highlight for Todd was the inclusion of two songs in the 1997 Twentieth Century Fox release "Picture Perfect", (featuring Jennifer Aniston & Kevin Bacon).
When From Good Homes decided to park the wagons following a tour in support of their third major label release, Todd took to the road for some stripped-down, acoustic performances (including returns to Irving Plaza and Waterloo Village, and a first-time solo tour in Europe). These intimate shows were a treat for newcomers and long-time Homes fans everywhere. They were also a revelation - showcasing Todd's talents as a songwriter, singer, and guitar player in a brand new light.
The spirit of these performances is captured beautifully on Todd's new release: "Dream of Love" (BOS Music, 2000). This live recording, Todd's long-awaited solo debut, was recorded at Centenary College in NJ on 11/20/99 and contains both brand new gems and FGH favorites. "Dream of Love" has received praise from both fans and those in the industry, and is garnering airplay on an increasing number of college/AAA stations. MTV's popular "Real World" show has licensed the entire recording for use in upcoming episodes.
2001 saw Todd embark on a new adventure, as he began writing, singing, and playing guitar with Railroad Earth. Comprised of acclaimed NJ musicians, this six-piece ensemble came storming onto the scene to rave reviews. In the first months of the band's existence, Railroad Earth landed some prestigious main stage bookings, including the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival. The band's debut album - "The Black Bear Sessions" (BOS Music, 2001) - was released in June 2001, and was extremely well-received (noted critic David Gans even listed the album as one of his favorite new releases). Moving on to sign a deal with Sugar Hill Records, the band followed up Black Bear with the tremendous sophomore release - "Bird In A House" - released nationally on June 4, 2002. As the band continues their incessant national touring, they have now released a third album. Entitled "The Good Life", the new Railroad Earth disc hit stores on June 8, 2004 and is making 2004 a breakthrough year. "The Good Life" was the #1 most added album on Americana radio in the week of its release and has been consistently charting on stations all over the country.
Todd Sheaffer has learned his craft through years on the stage and in the studio. He has had the good fortune to work with many talented people, and has enjoyed the support of a devoted and wonderful audience. Over the years, he has played with the greats, including: Bob Dylan, Bob Weir, Dave Matthews, Blues Traveler, Joan Osborne, David Crosby, Shawn Colvin, Roger McGuinn, Levon Helm and Rick Danko, Widespread Panic, Medeski, Martin, & Wood, Bela Fleck, and many others. Most of all, his music has, and continues, to touch many hearts." Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.