Southern Spirit takes Civic Center stage this week
L.J. Gambone
Apple Valley Review
A man who walks away from what might be his only chance at fame and fortune in order to be there for his children is a man worthy of great respect and admiration. In this case, that man would be Apple Valley musician/singer/songwriter Joe Eiffert.
Back in the early 1990s, Eiffert and his country group Southern Spirit were well on their way to the big time, opening for chart-topping artists such as Martina McBride, Brooks and Dunn, Toby Keith and Tim McGraw, to name a few. But like many bands' stories, it took a lot of heartache and tears before its star began to shine.
By that time, Eiffert had married his bandmate/girlfriend Teresa Clark — who friends affectionately know today as Teeci — and started a family. A few major music executives had their eye on Southern Spirit, but Eiffert said he and his group were no longer interested in going down that road, as the things that truly mattered began to take center stage.
“Southern Spirit had several opportunities that could have taken them all the way in the music business,” said Eiffert, who will be in concert with Southern Spirit from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Town of Apple Valley’s free Sunset Concert Series. “But after Teresa and I had our kids, we asked ourselves if it was more important to go out and chase our dreams or be responsible parents.
“We chose our kids and even though the chance for stardom has long passed, we have absolutely no regrets.”
Eiffert, 48, admits his own childhood made him especially aware of how difficult it can be for youngsters to grow up with a dad who’s not around all that much. His own father, Leo J. Eiffert, was a professional touring musician who also worked as a session player for major artists at Capital Records and Gold Star Records.
“I grew up around the music business and saw how being in the forefront of it can take you away from your family,” said Eiffert, whose first musical mentor was the legendary guitarist Al Bruno. “I was one of those kids who had a dad that wasn’t home all that much and I can say from experience it was really hard on me.
“I did not want my children to ever have to go through something like that.”
Although Eiffert and Southern Spirit chose a more modest career path, the band has amassed a sizable local following and has become a mainstay on the local country music scene. The group has played everywhere from the Crazy Horse in Orange County and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill to the Brandin’ Iron in San Bernardino and the former Cocky Bull in Victorville.
Along with Eiffert and Teresa, other Southern Spirit members include Jaye Sooter (bass) and Bobby Jo Bearden (drums).
Eiffert describes Southern Spirit’s music as an eclectic mix of rock, country, blues and jazz. The ensemble performs mostly cover tunes but does have its fair share of original tunes. In fact, Eiffert said many of those will be featured on the band’s soon-to-be-released untitled CD.
“We’ve already recorded enough songs for a CD and right now, we’re working on the mixes,” said Eiffert, a native of Los Angeles who works as a territory manager for Beck Oil Inc. in Victorville. “This is something we’re really excited about because our fans from the last 23 years have been asking us to release an album. We’re planning to have it out within the next 12 months.”
Beyond finding fulfillment in his music and family life, Eiffert said he is extremely pleased with the mark Southern Spirit has made on country music. The group may have not become superstars but Eiffert believes they did manage to influence an entire generation of up-and-coming artists.
“Back in the '90s, Southern Spirit was really the only group where everyone in the band sang,” said Eiffert. “We didn’t have a lead singer, so all of our blended voices is what made our sound.
“That really caught on with aspiring bands, which I think led to groups like Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry being signed. Also, we were one of the first bands to mix in '70s classic rock with country music, which is now the trend. It’s kind of cool to know your group influenced a sound that has become so popular.”
The Sunset Concert Series is held Thursdays through Aug. 13 at the Apple Valley Civic Center Amphitheater, 14955 Dale Evans Parkway. Visit http://www.facebook.com/southern.spirit.5 for more on the band and applevalleyevents.org for more on the series.