Sometimes love, like good music, takes time to develop. It took 37 years for Tyler and Sandy Smith. They parted as a “let’s stay friends” situation. Only to re-unite, marry, and release a collection of songs titled “Do You Remember Me”. After listening to the disc, I’m glad they found each other again.

These songs are a collection of emotions, faith, and memories that span the years. Feelings created while apart, but now re-excited in the midst of a new relationship. There is a sense that the restless days of youth are over. Now is the time to settle down, enjoy life, and focus on faith and family.

The set starts off with a big slice of acoustic folk music called “Lizzie Brown”. Lizzie has a wedding dress. But her dreams are cut short when she turns up dead down at the river. The police can’t find a killer and we’re left to ponder. What could have been and what possibly was.

There are two very personal ballads on this CD. The first, “Do You Remember Me?” is Tyler’s take on the new relationship. Remember all those things we did all those years ago? Sandy’s vocal line grounds the song’s longing and yearning. Reminding us that time has passed and all the running around is over. The true answer has been found.

The second ballad “Many Years Ago” is my favorite. It has the smoky acoustic feeling found on the B side of the Rolling Stones “Tattoo You” album. It’s accentuated by Bill Farber’s saxophone. Sandy lays it all out. It almost happened then, but they were different people. Choices were made, lessons learned, everyone changed. Now, a new beginning has brought the couple together again.

“Do You Remember Me?” bounces back and forth from ballads to upbeat folk. “New Orleans” recalls the devastation of hurricane Katrina. Tyler says goodbye to New Orleans. He wonders if God had a hand in the destruction. I was waiting for the song to bring a resurrection. But it never comes. The people of New Orleans must have felt the same way.

 I love the music of “Move That Mountain”. It’s the old resonator blues that is drenched with southern attitude. The problem is the lyrics get in the way. There are simply too many words. The song never has a chance to catch a breath. It’s a shame because the music is fantastic. 

Another song that tweaked me was “My House”. It’s a great song full of melancholy for a vacant place that used to be home. Sandy’s vocals really set the mood, but then we get to the chorus. That’s where things get a little too bi-polar for my taste. The music and mood swing to an extremely upbeat and happy emotion. It didn’t feel right to me. We go back into the melancholy mood, but after the upbeat intrusion, I’m kind of over it. The song left me feeling unsettled, kind of like returning to a past home. But, I never seem to feel that giddy remembering what happened there.

 With that said, we come to a song called “Pool of Bethesda”. This song is simply the jewel of the bunch. It has the feel of a contemporary worship song, but echoes the sounds of a small country church. Everything comes together in this song. The music, the lyrical timing, the harmonies are exactly where they need to be. This song made the hairs on my neck stand up. It’s that perfect moment of music and faith. The only thing better than the recording, is hearing this song performed live.

“Do You Remember Me?” is a great start to a new musical life. Tyler’s guitar and Sandy’s piano carry the day from start to finish. This collection does a good job of summing up where these two people are in their lives. I’m looking forward to hearing their music progress, as their relationship, and faith, progress. 

“Do You Remember Me?” is a CD I won’t soon forget.

(Eric Johnson, guitarist and founding member of "the Fishippies")
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Nice catchy tunes. Job or not still running around in my head. Don't miss
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All I have to say is WOW!

Since you sent me a copy of 37 Years, I've been enjoying this effort.  Now please know I am being 100% truthful when I say this... I'm not trying to be nice, this is my sincere thought.

I listen to loads of folk based music and recordings.  I LOVE folk music!

37 Years has a great solid, organic sound.  You did a GREAT job producing this effort.  I am frankly impressed and even started to wonder... "should I have Kyle produce an album for me???"

The sound is rich... clean and sooooooooo flat out organic.  Plus... it doesn't have a low budget sound.  It sounds rich!

Also... 37 Years have perfect voices for this style of music.  They blend well together and nothing sounds forced... it's easy and breezy and something I am going to continue to enjoy and listen to while I am on the road.

ALL in ALL... this is a great, great effort.

Your last album was awesome, but I have to say... you took up another notch with 37 Years.  GREAT JOB Kyle!!!!!

Ken Verheecke
www.kvmusic.net
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37 Years has some history, if not together, certainly on the long road home. After 37 years on separate paths they are once again together telling their story. Tyler and Sandy provide an interesting blend of sound. Tyler’s delivery hints at Gordon Lightfoot and Cat Stevens, while on guitar he’s worthy of comparison to Chet Atkins. Sandy lends keyboards, harmony and lead vocals. This album is an eclectic collection of original ballads, which spell out a message of encouragement.  This debut compilation is born of personal experience and impressions. Get their album, book them to play and hear the whole story. I enjoyed 37 Years’ album. Their music is engaging. It hearkens a familiar sound that is instantly enjoyable. Their message is not so personal that it is current only for a time. My wife and I listen to it virtually everyday. --Timothy L. Price (author and photojournalist)
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