Album Notes

Think your jeans on the day after Thanksgiving are tight? Check this out: Performing Songwriter says that Kit Smith and Tanya Livingstone’s harmonies “are tighter than your granny’s throw rug.” Linked by a palpable chemistry – both personal and musical – of the kind rarely seen outside the laboratory, Kit and Tanya have been performing together since 1996, when Tanya jumped at the chance to join Kit on stage in support of his debut album, “Stronger Man” (Bitemark Records). While pursuing independent musical and family projects they continued to delight live audiences through the years and in 2005, awash in material, they were compelled to collaborate for the first time as co-writers. The resulting CD heralds this collaboration as a fine idea indeed. Released by Song Crisis Records in 2006, “Central Connection” is an evocative collection of songs that expose and explore the ups, downs, and critical life changes of an eventful year. Now partners in every sense, Kit and Tanya continue to write, record, and perform award-winning songs, lauded by fans, critics, and organizations like West Coast Songwriters. Blurring the lines between Americana, Folk, and Pop, their heartfelt, passionate music resonates with radio listeners and live audiences everywhere. Get your hands on their latest release, “The Hardest Part,” at www.cdbaby.com/kittanya.

Blending Americana, pop and folk, singer-songwriters Kit Smith and Tanya Livingstone (Topeka, Blind Ruby) have released an exceptional 10-song collection.

Standouts on "Central Connection" include the vocal harmonies-rich "Sweet Love," yearning "Flying To You" and alt country treasure "Dream Her Dreams."


Anyone who enjoyed the winning collaboration from Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs released in April, "Under the Covers, Vol. 1," will enjoy the magic of Smith and Livingstone blending melodious voices and distinct writing styles on this disc.

***Reviewed by Robert Kinsler (Orange County Register)


For the past decade, Kit Smith and Tanya Livingstone have had some sort of musical connection. Developing a close friendship over those many years have led to the kind of dynamics that have found them awarded prestigious awards for “Best Song” and “Best Performer”. This album showcases this deep friendship and musical connection with an alt. country and Americana slant to them. Nice songwriting with great vocals and perfect arrangements.

***Reviewed by Smother Magazine


Harmonies are the highlight of the latest release from Kit Smith and Tanya Livingstone. The duo weaves their voices tighter than your granny's throw rugs. Smith has a delivery like Counting Crows' Adam Duritz, while Livingstone sails high above, a cross between Shawn Colvin and Alison Krauss. Banjo, pedal steel and electric guitars add to the folk-meets-pop vibe. Highlights from the record include "Flying to You" ("I wave goodbye to all my ghosts and ride the jetstream up the coast"), Dream Her Dreams" ("Crumble down the walls she built too high/ She's gonna start the car and drive")and "Built With My Heart" ("Hearts can change their minds, it happens all the time/Fools can sift through gold only to find the rust and grime"). Central Connection conveys a real sense of freedom. From the liberating lyrics and spacious arrangements to the solid harmonies, Smith and Livingstone have definitely given us something to connect with.

***Reviewed by Mare Wakefield
(Performing Songwriter Magazine)