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From the Vault...
12/29/2002
#818 |
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info
Eva Cassidy
"Time After Time"
© Blix Street Records
Year of Release: 2000
Rating:
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track listing
Kathy's Song
Ain't No Sunshine
The Letter
At Last
Time After Time
Penny To My Name
I Wandered
By A Brookside
I Wish I Was A
Single Girl Again
Easy Street Dream
Anniversary Song
Woodstock
Way Beyond The Blue
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Eva Cassidy
"Time After Time"
Eva Cassidy is a LEGEND...
Eva Cassidy was one of the best young singers, having such a angelic voice,
yet she could belt a blues tune just as great, if not better, than most female
blues singers of the day. Sadly, Ms. Cassidy died at a young age of cancer
in 1996, at the age of 33.
I first discovered Eva Cassidy while watching television. It was 10:30pm,
and the ABC program Nightline appeared, as I was channel surfing.
Thinking that Nightline would feature political news stories, I was
surprised that they were presenting an encore of the life story of Eva Cassidy.
Hypnotized by her beautiful voice on such songs as "Over The Rainbow,"
(which still brings tears to my eyes, where her voice is so tender, angelic,
and beautiful), "People Get Ready" and "What A Wonderful World."
It was so sad to learn that she had passed away, as her career was just
beginning to become more and more popular.
Time After Time, released in 2000, features mostly cover tunes,
and each song is handcrafted musically and vocally to the extent that Eva's
voice is easily blended with the styles of Adult Contemporary, Blues, Soul,
Jazz, Folk, Country.
Relaxing and beautiful best describes the album's opener, written by Paul
Simon -- "Kathy's Song," as Cassidy's version is just as beautiful as when
it was first recorded by Simon & Garfunkel.
With enough grit in the style of Soul and Blues, her versions of Bill
Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine" and Joe Cocker's remake of the Box Tops'
"The Letter" easily tells the listener that Eva Cassidy is a top
condender with her fellow blues singers, both male and female. "I Wish I
Was A Single Girl Again" has a more blues edge feel, and her voice is truly
remarkable. Likewise, another great blues number, is "Easy Street Dream."
This one is much more bluesy than "Single Girl," and again, her voice
is outstanding. Showing a more soul side, her version of the Etta James'
classic "At Last" is truly beautiful, as she can easily belt the blues
on one song, yet become soulful on another.
Showcasing the accoustic guitar, and Eva Cassidy's beautiful voice,
we could easily imagine an Unplugged session with such songs as Cyndi Lauper's
"Time After Time," "I Wandered By A Brookside," and Joni Mitchell's
"Woodstock." The musical orchestration is also a standout with Cassidy's
voice on "Anniversary Song."
Folk and Country are best described for "Penny To My Name," and the
accapella gospel is just incredible on "Way Beyond The Blue" -- the
true church gospel vocals, with no musical instruments, just harmonic voices
and handclaps.
It still brings tears to my eyes on how beautiful Cassidy's voice was,
and because she passed away so young. She could sing practically any type
of music there is. Hearing songs from this album, you could easily imagine
future releases, such as a tribute to Bob Dylan, or an entire album of gospel
music, Eva Cassidy would have easily attracted more fans in any style of music
and becoming a versatile performer. With only less than a handful of releases
before her untimely death, we can only enjoy these, and posthumous releases,
and cherish the memories of her beautiful voice in any style of music.
If you've never heard of Eva Cassidy, any album of hers is recommended.
Her greatest hits collection Songbird may be a good start, but it's
best to hear every recording she made with her original studio releases.
Time After Time is a wonderful album, showcasing Cassidy's musical
styles. And after spending time listening to this release, you'll want to hear
more of her music. Eva Cassidy was a great singer, and somewhere in the heavens,
the angels are smiling; her angelic voice is entertaining the heavens, and
thank you, Eva, for sharing your beautiful voice with us.
© WSVNRadio.net. All rights reserved.
Review or any portion may not be reproduced
without written permission. Cover art is the
intellectual property of
Blix Street Records
and is used for reference purposes only.
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