Published on Jan 24, 2003
I first discovered Eva Cassidy while watching television. It was
10:30 pm 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 just as her career was just beginning to attract
attention.
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 to handle 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 contender with her fellow blues singers, both male and female.
“I Wish I Was A Single Girl Again” has more of a blues edge, and
her voice is truly remarkable. Likewise, another great blues
number, is “Easy Street Dream,” where her voice is again
outstanding. Showing more of a soul side, her version of the Etta
James’ classic “At Last” is truly beautiful.
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 the
best description for “Penny To My Name,” and the accapella gospel
is just incredible on “Way Beyond The Blue,” which features 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 how young she passed away. 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. Given time, Eva
Cassidy would have easily attracted more fans in any style of music
because she was such a versatile performer. With only 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, 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, entertained by her angelic voice.
Thank you, Eva, for sharing your beautiful voice with us.