I must confess that, during her short life (1963 - Nov. 2, 1996), Eva Cassidy was rarely on my record player. I recall a version of Over the Rainbow that shaded Judy Garland but little else - until now!
Jazzed compiles tracks from various albums including Live at Blues Alley along with previously unreleased standards that, in retrospect, set a benchmark for singers past and present and indeed the future despite the machinations of Johnny-Come-Lately techno wizards.
It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got That Swing, recorded in 1995 has Eva making the most of the Ellington classic over a stomping big band arrangement by Chris Willis. Solos by uncredited trumpet and alto sax mixed with Eva's vocalese interpolations ensure a cracking start.
Blue Skies, a duet with Max Cooper lll. Shades of Nelson Riddle in the arrangement by Willis. From the Blues Alley album. Eva and Max hit it off.
Summertime suits Eva as she flies over an unidentified guitar accompaniment and a Grappelli-like violin solo. I could get to like this tune.
At Last - Eva beats Etta at her own game. Less histrionic although still emotive the voice nestles comfortably on a bed of gushing strings.
Honeysuckle Rose. Eva arranged this one with solos by piano and guitar. More from Blues Alley. I think there has been less jiggery pokery with this track than on the others.
Blues in the Night from the album Eva by Heart. A powerhouse band: brass, saxes, strings, backing vocals - the whole nine yards! I think maybe Samara J listened to this one on the way up.
Still Not Ready from the album Imagine. A moody atmospheric track in total contrast to the tracks that bookend it - touchingly beautiful.
You've Changed. Sweeping strings from the London Symphony Orchestra - added some 25 years after the original recording - make the end result a masterpiece. And yet, call me old fashioned, but why can't they let the original stand or fall on its own two feet?
Cheek to Cheek - more add-ons, I've had my say on this and reluctantly accept it's 2026. Eva was still one helluva singer.
Ain't no Sunshine. Another Blues Alley gem and more LSO put through the mangle. I hate the process but I love the album. Lance
Release date: Nov. 13 0n Blix Street Records.
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