Reviewed by Steve Best

The late, greatly lamented Eva Cassidy was described by Jazz Times magazine as "an unclassifiable and inspiring musician" while the Washington Post purred that "she could sing anything - folk, blues, pop, jazz, R&B, gospel - and make it sound like it was the only music that mattered." High praise indeed, but then even the most cursory of listens to the currently limited output of this fantastic vocalist will reveal a voice to strike awe in all who hear it and a talented musician and arranger. It is supremely ironic that Eva only really started her meteoric rise to prominence after her untimely death aged 33, of melanoma in November 1996; however, she already leaves a rich legacy in terms of the sheer quality of the music she produced. 'Songbird' is a compilation of the very best moments from Eva's debut 'Live at Blues Alley', along with tracks from a duets album with legend Chuck Brown entitled 'The Other Side' and a posthumously released record 'Eva By Heart'. Among the gems on offer here are gospel standards such as "Wade In The Water", "Wayfaring Stranger" and Pete Seeger's "Golden Thread" , inspired readings of Sting's "Fields Of Gold" , Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird" and Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready". Also of note are the gorgeous "Autumn Leaves" - performed by Eva with just her guitar for accompaniment, "I Know You By Heart" and the quite beautiful "Love Heals The Wound It Makes", but by far the standout in an album of standouts is the breathtaking rendition of "Over The Rainbow" which closes the record. In an age of computerised hitmakers and questionable talent, Eva Cassidy stands out like a beacon, and this album in particular should be an essential part of any serious music lover's collection

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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