Reviewed by Gareth Hills

There's little that hasn't already been said about Eva Cassidy, not to mention her untimely death. Yet as a testament to her unique ability to surprise and breathe fresh life into even the most overplayed of standards, this latest release manages to say even more. A collection of stripped-back, acoustic versions of songs from her eclectic repertoire, 'Simply Eva' documents the vocalist at her most raw and intimate, and yet simultaneously displays her music at its most beautiful. It is the sort of album that carries with it its own unique atmosphere, which almost forces you to stop whatever you're doing, and allow the music to permeate deep. It also reveals how varied her songbook actually was, with everything from jazz standards through to old Americana arranged and performed with exceptional sensitivity and creativity. Her version of "Autumn Leaves" is particularly haunting, while "Over The Rainbow", which has probably reached legendary status now amongst fans, is performed with even more tenderness than the original. There is truly nothing on this album that does not do justice to the incredible talent that Cassidy was, and proves that, even given such a limited recorded output, she still finds new ways to surprise.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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