Lately, I have been listening a lot to Eva Cassidy. In case you never heard of her, I want to suggest you take a listen. Eva passed away in 1996 at the young age of 33, after battling cancer.
Eva Cassidy was a remarkable vocalist and acoustic guitar player who was virtually unknown outside her native Washington DC. She paid her dues playing local bars and pubs that were often half-empty. She deserved so much more appreciation. Today, many people all around the world discover her, just as I recently did, and want to learn more about her. EvaCassidy.Org is a good place to start at.
When I hear Eva sing, something touches me inside. This may sound corny, but there was something about her music and singing that speaks to me in a way I can't explain. It may also have to do with the fact that she died so young, and this fact makes me feel sad she could not be with us longer so she could continue to create wonderful music. However, the music she did create is worthwhile listening to. It may affect you too, just as it affects me.
Eva had a voice like an angel. Her rendition of Fields of Gold gives me the goose bumps every time. Equally impressive was her ability to sing blues and jazz. She could sound like a afro-american lady who has been singing blues for 40 years, yet she could sound so gentle and sweet. This ability to go between blues, jazz, ballads, pop, whatever - with complete mastery is something I don't think I have ever heard before. She is my favourite vocalist right now.
Perhaps less known is that she was a very good acoustic guitar player as well. She was a very solid picker and accompanied her self with versatile and tasty chords and finger picking technique. I am having trouble trying to copy what she played on her acoustic.
Her choice of guitar was a Guild Songbird, from what I've read.
To learn more about Eva, check out EvaCassidy.Org.
Essential listening: Live At Blues Alley, recorded at Washington, D.C., in January 2nd, 2006. But really, anything she recorded is recommended listening.
By Robert Renman - www.dolphinstreet.com
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