After seven posthumously released and well-received records, the tragic story of Eva Cassidy has passed into the realm of cult legend. The notoriously shy D.C.-area performer with the most powerfully gentle voice could render any song, no matter how well-known, no matter how frequently turned to by other singers, into her own. In fact, this eighth release, AMERICAN TUNE, contains a reworking of perhaps the most covered song of all time, the Lennon-McCartney ballad "Yesterday," and despite thousands of versions, she discovered a new interpretation hidden within the folds of the familiar.
At this point, it's practically impossible to disassociate "God Bless The Child" from Billie Holiday's original, and many have added their own takes, but Cassidy's voice earnestly and artfully rolls over the tune and a new angle emerges. Most remarkable about AMERICAN TUNE is despite the diversity of the sources, her voice forges a discernable, undeniable thread between songs; Cassidy is as comfortable with soul as traditional folk, pop as jazz, and her irreplaceable voice could wrap around just about any song. Usually, by this point, the well of a talent that passed so young would have long been tapped, but Cassidy proves so strong that her music seems inexhaustable, and AMERICAN TUNE rises far above pastiche into a stunning, consistent album of its own.
Recorded between 1989 & 1995. Includes liner notes by Martin Jennings.
Personnel: Eva Cassidy (vocals, guitar); Marcy Marxer (guitar, bouzouki, tin whistle); Keith Grimes (electric guitar); Bruno Nasta, Dan Cassidy (violin); Lenny Williams (piano, organ); Jimmy Campbell , Raice McLeod (drums).
Liner Note Author: Martin Jennings.
Recording information: Black Pond Studio, Rockville, MA (??/??/1991-06/13/2003); Community Music Studio, Kensington, MD (??/??/1991-06/13/2003); Glenn Dale Studio, MD (??/??/1991-06/13/2003); King Of France Tavern, Annapolis, MD (??/??/1991-06/13/2003); Pearls (??/??/1991-06/13/2003).
Photographer: Chris Biondo.
Arranger: Eva Cassidy.
Personnel: Eva Cassidy (vocals, acoustic guitar); Keith Grimes (electric guitar); Marcy Marxer (guitar, bouzouki, whistle); Lenny Williams (piano, organ); Chris Biondo (bass); Raice McLeod (drums).
Entertainment Weekly (8/15/03, p.77) - "With a honeyed voice and not a drop of guile, Cassidy crafted singularly familiar songs....her gifts carry on..." - Rating: B+
More of Eva's magic At first listen,I wasn't that impressed with this CD. It doesn't have any astonishing renditions like Blues in The Night( Is there a better version by anyone?), but the songs like The Water is Wide, and Dark Eyed Molly work a subtle magic. And of course,'If it Ain't Got That Swing' is classic. Submitted by a reviewer (Huntington Beach, California) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Best Song Stylist If you like the voice, there will never be a bad album put out by Eva Cassidy. It has always been her ability to put her spin on a song and make her own that makes her such a unique stylist. She is the female "Frank Sinatra". Although, I still think her best song is "I Know You By Heart" Submitted by a reviewer (Norfolk NE) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Eva Cassidy ASmerican Tune I have heard 5 of the tracks from this album. Even if the other tracks are dreadful (which I doubt) it would be worth buying. I have in fact pre-ordered copies for myself and others.
Lets get this abum to #1 and make it three in a row.
Blue Skies
Chris Submitted by a reviewer (Gloucerter UK) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Absolutely brilliant! Being ashamed that I never heard of her before. A female James Taylor! Unique and incredibly pure. Submitted by martyvanderstaak (Best, Netherlands.) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Listen to "You Take MY Breath Away" Magnificent! I've played through the American Tune CD, and have been listening to "You Take My Breath Away," and "American Tune," both great tracks. I can get entralled with the whole CD yet these two tracks grab me and won't let me go.
"You Take My Breath Away," is so hypnotic like the affect of listening to "Danny Boy," This song however brings back visions of ones' romantic past. You can go all the way back to your first romance, when you fell in love, to the loves you still remember that will always be in your supressed memory. It's to be played over and over again, until those images grow deeper and deeper into your psyche. It is so beautiful. I can listen to it as if in a meditative trance. I will never tire of this song. Please don't miss, "You Take My Breath Away."
"American Tune," well, what can I say, a lot of imagery, very emotional with deep thoughts of the strengths and struggles this lifestyle requires, from America's inception, through the current identity crisis washing upon us, with the terrorists and the decision to invade Iraq. The overriding everyday responsibility of working, and making a future, to many of us, is very exhausting. Eva has nailed this song and the message is "hope." When, and if, this song eventually becomes the modern day American anthem, perhaps we can see how all those people, like Eva, who work so very hard to make a living in this country, are affected by Eva's music.
What about these songs? They have been worth the price of the album and then some. Submitted by a reviewer (Syracuse, NY USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
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