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CD REVIEW: TATTOOS AND TATTERED HEARTS BY STEVE VACLAVIK AND THE WOEFUL ONES Reviewed by Colin Ward Steve Vaclavik has been part of the Tampa Bay music scene since 1994. He was part of the March 2017 Bay Buzz’s Buzzfest festival and brought his CD to share. Tattoos and Tattered Hearts is not hot off the press but it is Steve’s most recent recording. The CD is credited to Steve Vaclavik and The Woeful Ones but unfortunately the band is no longer active, due in part to the passing of Chris Harmon who played lead guitar and other stringed instruments. Steve is presently a solo performer. In some ways, the name Woeful Ones is misleading because most of the songs sound anything but woeful. Think upbeat and energetic. Genre? These days, bands are pigeonholed into micro-genres that many of us have never even heard of. In Steve’s case, Americana fits the bill - stir up a mixture of bluegrass, singer/songwriter, rock and country and you will get the idea. But primarily Steve is a teller of tales. The stories are fascinating and could well have come from personal experiences. Many of them are woeful which is no doubt where the band name originated. A little Bob Dylan influence creeps into the vocals, along with a bit of Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt. The album is built around acoustic instruments with Chris Harmon’s tasty electric guitar to add spice when needed. harmonica, and it’s easy to imagine the band and backup singers grouped around a microphone performing it live in one take. To quote the story, “Henry found out the hard way, you can do your best and still lose your way”. Henry unfortunately came to an abrupt ending despite his lucky shamrock tattoo. Keeping the woeful theme alive is song two about a relationship breakup, there’s nothing to show for it but a “Broken Heart and a Cat”. After 25 years in a relationship, it’s a tough way to go and Steve brings the “car wreck of our lives” to life. Tom’s songs are influenced by the blues and a western theme pops up in a couple of them. “If That Ain’t the Blues” is a traditional 12 bar with some skillful harmonica and electric guitar by Tom and the band. The other songs on Tattoos and Tattered Hearts are both woeful and enjoyable and each one stands on its own with enough variety to keep us listening all the way through to the end. Bass and background vocals by Mike Worrall and solid drums and percussion by the ubiquitous Bill LaGrandier complete the band. Tattoos and Tattered Hearts was recorded very well at Pro Star studios in St. Petersburg and is recommended for anyone who likes story songs with an Americana flavor. Steve is not the only songwriter or lead singer on the CD. Tom Stephens, who remains active in Tampa Bay, is the creator of four of the ten songs. Tom’s songs blend well with Steve’s and Tom has apparently had his share of woeful experiences too. Tom also plays some mean harmonica which is a nice addition to the stringed instruments that are predominate. The lead-off song, Shamrock Tattoo, deservedly won the Song of the Year Award at the Deland Original Music Festival in 2016. It has a strong bluegrass influence despite the percussion and 16 BUZZ Magazine May-June 2017 Send comments on this story to comments@baybuzz.org
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Page 7 and 8: CONTENTS LOCAL MUSIC Chris Sgamatto
Page 9 and 10: Sgammato Student Showcase: Homegrow
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Page 23 and 24: . Unlike most market where you shop
Page 25 and 26: Meeting the members of The Rosewood
Page 27 and 28: 27 BUZZ Magazine May-June 2017
Page 29 and 30: Safety Harbor Songfest 2 Days! Live
Page 31 and 32: Trevor Green From California, Trevo
Page 33 and 34: The Accidentals The Accidentals is
Page 35 and 36: Chasing Lovely Chloe and Taylor are
Page 37 and 38: The Backtrack Blues Band Interview
Page 39 and 40: music without blues. It's truly tha
Page 41 and 42: Powersurge, Noiz, and Men From Eart
Page 43 and 44: would perform on several occasions
Page 45 and 46: If you’re a fan of the beach, a l
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Page 49 and 50: 4 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar 2 Tbsp Hone
Page 51 and 52: Tomato Spinach Chicken Spaghetti 28
Page 53 and 54: Rock Camp June 5th - June 9th Disne

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