Kathy Smith began as a fixture around the Los Angeles hippie and folk scene of the 60’s and 70’s, playing regularly at venues such as Paradox, the Troubador, along with coffeehouses around town. Eventually, she captured the attention of Richie Havens, who would release her equally rare debut album Some Songs I’ve Saved, along with the followup 2 on his label, Stormy Forest.
"Some Songs I've Saved", is one of the best-kept secrets in the history of singer-songwriting, this wonderful album is sure to appeal to fans of artists like Carole King, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and James Taylor. A glorious blend of melodic songs, deeply personal lyrics and imaginative arrangements (incorporating sitar, tabla and flute alongside guitars and piano), it's beautifully sung and features support from Pamela Polland (The Gentle Soul) and Jim Fielder (Blood, Sweat & Tears), as well as session favourites Jeremy Steig, Artie Traum and Eric Weissberg. Produced by long-time Richie Havens collaborator Mark Roth and engineered by Val Valentin (Frank Zappa, the Velvet Underground, Lee Hazlewood), it was originally released in 1970.
by Jocelyn Romo
Tracks
1. Topanga - 3:34
2. What Nancy Knows (Dennis D'Asaro) - 4:37
3. A Vision Of Two Saints (Pamela Polland) - 3:56
4. End Of World - 6:34
5. Same Old Lady - 4:42
6. Blackbird And The Pearl (Jim Spheeris) - 4:38
7. Russel: Gemeni Ii - 3:27
8. If I Could Touch You (Pamela Polland) - 3:05
9. Circles Of Love - 3:36
Words and Music by Kathy Smith, except where stated
Musicians
*Kathy Smith - Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
*Warren Bernhardt - Piano
*Monte Dunn - Guitar
*Jim Fielder - Bass
*Bill LaVorgna - Drums
*Chuck Rainey - Bass
*Jeremy Steig - Flute
*Stormy Forest Freaks - Choir, Chorus, Handclapping
*Artie Traum - Banjo, Guitar
*Collin Walcott - Tabla
*Eric Weissberg - Fiddle
*Don Sarlin - Guitar