Songbird

There are some classic songs that probably shouldn't be covered, since the original version is so perfect that another treatment, while possibly bringing something new to the party, wouldn't match the original in quality. And then there are exceptions to that rule.

It was probably Eva Cassidy's version of 'Over The Rainbow' (from the Other Side album, with Chuck Brown) that first marked Cassidy for European attention. A stripped-down, plaintive and beautifully performed vocal lifts elements of blues, jazz and American folk and creates a work that stands alongside the stunning original without apology.

Cassidy was an unlikely candidate for success, since despite growing up in a musical family in Maryland and possessing an uncanny mastery of melody and harmonic principles, she was painfully shy about performing.

Eventually, having played with various local bands, Eva arrived in the recording studio of Chris Biondo, which led to a meeting with Washington DC's father of 'Go-Go', Chuck Brown. Brown is on record as comparing Eva's voice with that of Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and June Christie. The resulting album of duets, The Other Side, led to three subsequent solo albums, which ensured Eva a favoured place in Washington's music elite. She was later inducted into the Washington Area Music Awards Hall Of Fame.

Tragically, Eva Cassidy was diagnosed with terminal cancer in July 1996, while promoting her Live At Blues Alley album. Within a couple of months she had died.

Dara Records have released Songbird, a collection of Eva Cassidy's recordings from her released albums and demos/out-takes. They also plan to release her back catalogue later in the year.

Further Eva Cassidy information from Dara Records (01) 4781891