Where do I go from Eva Cassidy?


Try to understand where I’m coming from and please bear with my eclectic taste.

With fleeting exceptions, I listen exclusively to Classical music (professional musician and Classical junkie). I’ve heard all the popular song styles, but nothing really appeals to me (no offense, please). My wife asked for an “Eva Cassidy” (who is she?) album for Christmas. So, I bought her ”Song Bird” and we both loved it! Listening to Eva Cassidy was a transforming experience for me. Beauty, Subtlety, Freshness, Artistry, Poetry, an Essential Spirituality and somehow she makes the unbearable in life suddenly seem--bearable. Everything else (non-Classical) just seemed like meer entertainment (no thanks). Here was a transporting poetic and spiritual experience. Now, I play her all her albums over and over and over…. Eventually, I might also listen to something else (non-Classical)?

But, where to go from here? As fussy and unsatisfied as I am with standard styles of music (again, no offense…), is there any non-Eva suggestion for a special artistic/spiritual experience?—maybe suggested from an Eva Cassidy fanatic who might understand what I mean. (Not contemporary Christian style—I record in that industry—and…well, pass). Something incredibly special, personal, transcending. I tried Diana Krall who sings very well—but, not interested—not on the same creative level, too much in a standard style, sings in a sexy vein (which I liked was not Eva’s intention in my perspective) and not really from a spiritual place. My wife’s Enya CD’s are an improvement.

Where to go from Eva Cassidy…?

Thanks!
montobo
Have you heard Eva Cassidy's live album? If you like that then I recommend checking out Dee Dee Bridgewater's live album "Live at Yoshi's". The studio releases sound dull by comparison - nothing like a live recording to show how these artist's entertain. And boy can they belt out the tunes and make the air sizzle when they want to.

Enjoy,
Bob
evie sands,sandi shaw,bebel gilberto,tanita tikaram.....the best of the best....
One of the few new jazz singers that I have been very impressed by is Rene' Marie - she has a great voice and sings in an upbeat style. Give a listen to her album, Live at Jazz Standard on MaxJazz. She ain't Cassidy, she isn't plowing new ground or necessarily inspiring, but she is a great new singer. Nobody I know of reaches out and pulls you into her music as well as Eva, thats what made her unique (IMHO).
Well stated Newbee. Eva's voice just penetrates right to the heart. Two other female vocalists with remarkable, albeit different, vocal talents, who also sing standards: Virtually anything by Jacinta is great. Holly Cole..."Temptation" and "Dark Dear Heart" are also quite beautiful.

Marco