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Tom Vicson, “Favorites” CD notes,

“All my music is written while playing an acoustic guitar. If the parts become electric it’s because the song asks for that. All the songs on this CD have a full band compliment because that’s what I hear in my head when I write them, with the interplay among the instruments. As I say on my CD jacket, some of these songs are performed nightly, but others have never been heard beyond my back porch.
That said, I never consider a song finished unless I can please myself with just a vocal and guitar performance. If I can sing it, chord it, and fill my way through, feeling every aspect is strong, then it’s ready to stand on it’s own. Now it’s ready for the band or the public. At that point I know what all the other parts will be, but I’m open for input from the other guys. If they have a better idea, why not? The song is always the boss, not me or them”.

1. THE JOKE’S ON ME (3:34)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), Electric guitar
Larry Gadler-Harmony vocals, Bass guitar
Gary Brandin-Pedal steel guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
This has a 70’s Nashville feel, reasonably traditional. It was a bit of a gift as far as writing, in that this song came to me intact, within 30 minutes. I have performed it for over 10 years. I’ve enjoyed watching people sing the hook line with me, knowing that they have never heard the tune before that night.

2. KISSAHOLIC (4:03)
Tom-Classical guitar, Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar
Larry Gadler-Harmony vocals, Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
A rockabilly tune based on a bunch of guitar work and a lot of attitude. I’ve had reformed alcoholics tell me that I’ve captured the essence of addition in a sexy way. Although it’s quite electric, the acoustic guitar part is still the heart of this song.

3. LUCKY FISHIN’ HAT (3:21)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), 12-string guitar, electric guitar, Harmony vocals, claps
Larry Gadler-Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
This is pretty traditional and mostly acoustic. This would work well around a campfire. Anyone who throws a dry fly could identify with this kind of superstition. Style wise, it’s like a Don Williams song, gentle but solid, with a story.


4. EVERYONE CRIES (3:28)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), Electric guitars (2), Harmony vocals
Larry Gadler-Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums, maracas
The only song on this disc with a serious message, or a bit of a warning and I think any adult would agree with the concept. I wrote 90% of this around 15 years ago and finally completed the thought. It’s hard to specify a specific genre for this; maybe 60’s pop rock, maybe a genre in itself. I love the tremolo guitar.

5. LOOKIN’ AT LINOLEUM (2:46)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), Electric guitars (2), harmony vocals
Larry Gadler- Bass guitar
Gary Brandin-Pedal steel guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
I’m surprised at how many people seem to identify with this silly song. I thought it was just me. Musically and lyrically I’m trying to get the fun and feel of a Bob Wills tune like “Stay all Night”, nonsense and jamming.

6. ENDS IN “Y” (3:15)
Tom-Classical guitar, Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar
Larry Gadler-Bass guitar
Jeremy Long-Electric piano
Tucker Flemimg-Drums
This is a country/blues feel with the typical broken heart theme, but with the twist, I’ll be fine. We mixed it with my nylon string guitar and vocal performance out front, with the band way behind, kind of how I heard it in my head and play it at home.

7. MAP OF LOVE (3:43)
Tom-Classical guitar, Acoustic guitars (2)
Larry Gadler-Bass guitar
Gary Brandin-Pedal steel guitar
John Delatore-Drums
A bluegrass feel, based on an acoustic guitar finger roll. It’s a happy little tune with a great pocket, a fun story, and some great instrumental work on the solos. 10 step dancers love this tune. It’s been part of my repertoire for years.

8. THERE’S A GHOST (4:07)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), Electric guitars (3)
Larry Gadler-Harmony vocals, Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
Where do the great, unplanned, riffs come from? It’s only when the spirit of the song takes over. Any musician worth their salt will identify with this tune. Written on a KOA picnic table in central California, at 3 AM, I’m sure my fellow campers were happy when I finally found the finger roll I use on the chorus. Maybe I had help from the ghost. .

9. NAMELESS DREAMS (Instrumental) (3:22)
Tom-Acoustic guitar, Electric guitar
Gary Brandin-Pedal steel guitar
Jeremy Long-Electric piano
Larry Gadler-Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
This was written on the fly, at a wedding gig, off the cuff, just to fill time during the “money dance”. Although just an “ad lib” song, I continued to use the pattern and melody on other performances. It became a requested song. I have always tried to play it with a “hopeful” feeling, not sad or looking back. It’s more of a wish.

10. LIVIN’ UNDER THE RUG (3:57)
Tom-Acoustic guitar, Electric guitars (2), harmony vocals
Larry Gadler-Drums, Percussion, Bass guitar
A country rock edge with a wry set of lyrics. It’s edgy, driving, and fun, but never gets too cute. The overdriven guitar sounds were great fun and that’s the first take. It worked. It’s not flawless, but I kept the performance track because it was so real, pretty much a live cut. I’ve received a great review of this song from TAXI, no easy feat!

11. YOUR BAIT IS GONE (2:31)
Tom-Acoustic guitars (2), 12- string guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar
Larry Gadler-Harmony vocals, Bass guitar
Tucker Fleming-Drums
A bit of a joke, a traditional country waltz, and a fishing story/broken heart song, all written from the trouts’ point of view. Anyone who fishes or has loved will catch this one, and laugh at the joke. I’ve fooled a number of mandolin players with my 12-string guitar work on this song.

12. LIESURELY DRIVE (2:17)
Tom-Acoustic guitar, 12-string guitar, electric guitars (2)
Larry Gadler-All harmony vocals, Bass Guitar
Gary Brandin-Dobro
Tucker Fleming-Drums
A “feel good “ song that blends a rootsy, traditional feel with contemporary lyrics. Larry Gadler got the backing vocal interplay just right, a blend of hip and homey. This is also a bit like a Don Williams song.