The Odd



Singer-songwriter Hugh Hart formed the ODD in 1980 with guitarist Bruce Barrett, soon joined by drummer Ed Breckenfeld, bassist John Forrest, and singer-guitarist Jo Jackson.

WLUP picked the band's frenetic dance number "Lean To" for the 1980 "Chicago Rocks" compilation album. Over the next two years, the ODD headlined at Tuts, Gaspars and Waves. Though they recorded a couple 6-song demos The Odd never formally release their own record.

The band opened for the Talking Heads at the Aragon and performed its punk-powered pop songs throughout the Midwest with groups like BB Spin, Desmond, Clox, the Swingers, Bohemia, Tutu and the Pirates and Immune System.

Early in 1982, guitarist Mike Morgan, singer Tere Devenport and drummer Chuck Schwartz replaced Breckenfeld and Jackson. The ODD broke up in 1983.

Hart then signed a publishing deal with Island Music and fronted the Magnificent Seven featuring Mark Messing, John Ovnik, Rob Williams. In 1995, he put together Wedge with J.D. Dragus, Jeff Thomas and Harrison Robinson. The self-titled "Wedge" CD was released by SlipDisc Records in 1996.

Breckenfeld joined the Insiders and played with the Kathy Richardson Band.

Changing her name to Jo Dare, Jackson recorded a duet with Queen's Freddy Mercury after leaving the ODD and eventually moved back to her home state, Texas, where she continues to perform.