8/11/2016 Crazy on them: Heart by Heart returns to the Taste By Brian Soergel Edmonds, WA EdmondsBeacon.com
Crazy on them: Heart by Heart returns to the Taste Spinoff band features members from local high schools
By Brian Soergel | Aug 11, 2016 What’s your favorite Heart song? “Barracuda”? “Crazy on You”? “Magic Man?” Chances are you’ll hear them all when Heart by Heart returns to A Taste of Edmonds 7 p.m. Saturday on the main stage. But bassist Steve Fossen, an original member of Heart who formed Heart by Heart, said there is one particular tune Courtesy of: Janine Harles that really gets the crowd going, and Heart by Heart performs at a previous A Taste of Edmonds. it’s not a rocker – it’s the power ballad “Alone.” “That happens to be the very first Heart song that Somar ever learned,” said Fossen, referring to lead singer Somar Macek, who graduated from Meadowdale High School. “It always gets a strong response. It often brings people to their feet.” Somar sings because, as you might have guessed, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are not in the band. Which is not a “tribute” band, by the way. “Heart by Heart is technically a spinoff band, and has evolved into an authentic throwback and tribute to the legacy and songs of the '70s and '80s,” said Fossen who, along with bandmember and drummer Michael Derosier – who graduated from the old Woodway High School – was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Heart in 2013. “We don't dress up in the style of any past era,” Fossen said, “but if you close your eyes we can transport back to the times when you first heard the tunes.” In addition to Fossen and Macek, Heart by Heart includes Lizzy Daymont on guitar, keyboards and harmony vocals and Randy Hansen on guitar. Hansen is well known around these parts as the leader of a Jimi Hendrix tribute band, but he will not be available in Edmonds. Daymont will share guitar duties with Lane Patterson. Bob Rivers, the former radio host, was formerly in the band but now leads Spike and the Impalers, who happens to play Saturday at the Taste. “With the addition of Lizzy, Heart by Heart was better able to fulfill its mission of bringing the most accurate versions of the original recordings and classic concerts from the '70s and '80s,” Fossen said. “Lizzy sings, plays the guitar and keyboard parts with a style, grace and competence that few musicians can equal.” Fossen met Macek at a private party at Columbia City Theater in February 2008. He asked her to sing lead on “Magic Man,” “Crazy on You” and “Barracuda.” They became a couple later that December.
http://edmondsbeacon.villagesoup.com/p/crazyonthemheartbyheartreturnstothetaste/1558665 1/2 8/11/2016 Crazy on them: Heart by Heart returns to the Taste By Brian Soergel Edmonds, WA EdmondsBeacon.com “For fun, we would do a vocal and bass duo, and occasionally casually play for friends at dinner parties,” Fossen said. “The word got out, and the next thing you know we are playing short sets at bistros, nightclubs, festivals and even a friend’s wedding.” Then Fossen got a call from a promoter in Alaska who needed an opening act for a Dwight Yoakam show he was putting together. “We didn't think a vocal and bass duo was right for the show, and we asked Mike and Randy if they wanted to learn a 45minute opening set,” Fossen said. “They agreed, and we rehearsed up the set. A week from the show, Yoakam pulled out of the show because of a change of venue.The gig was off, but we had a band and a set, plus we all enjoyed playing together.” Heart by Heart’s first official show was at a Susan B. Komen benefit. Soon after that, promoter Craig Cooke started getting the band bookings. Cooke, luckily for Edmonds, is responsible for bringing bands to A Taste of Edmonds. Fossen said he loves playing in Edmonds. “The city has been very good to Heart by Heart. We have played the Taste for four years in a row, and we have always felt the loyalty and respect from the crowds. We are glad to try and give back.”
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