I've been listening to Eva for several years and have often thought that she may have been aware of the severity of her illness when she performed that night. This was like her prayer. Great reaction... thank you.
t breaks my heart to know that only 10 months after this amazing recording was made, Eva was dead at only 33 years old. This is so beautiful. I honestly believe that if Judy Garland herself had heard this beautiful version of her song, she'd absolutely love it too. God rest and bless them both. So sad that both ladies died way too young. 💔 💔
Eva’s performance of Autumn Leaves from this same live gig is the most beautiful moment in recorded vocal music in history. I’m a musician of 50 years and have over 5000 albums and have Never heard anything even close to it. It’s simply beyond human endeavor. I hope you will enjoy or react to that one someday. Every thing she has done is simply amazing. It’s not of this earth. 🎺
I first discovered Eva Cassidy in the early 2000's, when looking for a good version of, Autumn Leaves. After watching her sing it, live at Blue's Alley, I've never bothered to listen to another version. RIP Eva.
She is the queen in owning a song she is covering: she always found ways to reveal the real meaning of words. She did the same with Autumn Leaves, Fields of Gold, Time after Time, and many more. The only other singer that I could compare to her in terms of storytelling and emotions, in terms of reinventing a song, is Lara Fabian, in a very different way. Eva was a natural, with barely no voice lessons in her life, (she was not a full time pro but working in a nursery) and was at ease singing Folk, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, … You name it Her guitar arrangments are a masterpiece. It seems simple and basic but really is not. The cam footage is maybe from a fan but the sound is great because Eva and her band invested their pocket money to get a pro recording and release some CDs from this event. This brought her to fame but only after her death sadly. It’s the BBC in UK in 2001 that first showcased this concert and it immediately became the #1 record in UK that year. And then it conquered the world.
YES! Lara also comes to my mind when I think about someone else whose storytelling skills are as good as Eva, I don’t really think anybody else comes close (their storytelling still feels so different yet so incredible).
I don't think it would have been the same if in studio. Thank God someone captured this beautiful moment to carry her legacy. Absolutely stunning how she completely owned this one. WOW
Actually, this was intended to be a professional recording. She had the Blues Alley for two nights, and she was going to use those two nights to record a live album. The first night there were technical issues, and the recordings were never made or were lost. The second night everything worked okay. From what I heard, they recorded 31 songs that night, and selected 12 to put on her Blues Alley album.
Eva is so connected to the lyrics, it's almost as if she's not even aware there's an audience.... she's just lost in the song. And you're right about her guitar playing... it's a duet with her voice and her guitar. Don't underestimate her playing.... she's brilliant 💓💓💓
Just seeing this now…and I am awestruck by her amazing talent. There is so much radiating from her performance besides just sound. She conveyed the human experience in song.
I agree with everything you said, Bob. This rendition is head and shoulders above the Judy Garland version. Eva does this with every song she sings - Time After Time, Fields of Gold, Autumn Leaves, etc. All of them tug at your heart strings.
Every single time, without fail, I am brought to tears by Eva singing this song. As soon as she starts to sing, I can guarantee that I will have a sharp intake of breath. Great reaction ❤️
She was suffering from a cold and you can notice her voice subtly crack a few times. She was not happy with the recording and didn't want it released. Just incredible. As for guitar, she never played guitar and only picked it up when her band needed another guitar player. It's amazing how she was just a natural. Just beautiful!!!!
I had a very similar reaction to this worn out old standard, but on hearing Eva sing it I became a believer. A brilliant rendition. Eva was and still is the epitome of beauty.
Appreciate your review, comments and appreciation for this rendition. I think the same regarding her performance and, in fact, her talent...she was obviously born to be a singer. A real one.
This gets me every time. Such a wonderful performance . This was the first Eva Cassidy performance I heard and I now think I have virtually every recording she ever made. A beautiful soul lost much too soon.
Great reaction. I highly recommend that you dive into Eva Cassidy’s library of music. She was definitely a one of a kind artist that was taken from us way too soon.
Bob, welcome to the EC club!! So, 1st off, much as you said, Eva OWNS this song. No need for anyone to ever cover it again. We often hear that we were born in the wrong age, and in this, I wish I was born about 10 of 15 years earlier because Eva was someone I would have supported whole heartedly. Either by attending her shows, or, jamming with her if I could. I know you loved her guitar work (as do I), but it might interest you to know, she didn't think she was that good. We are all our own worst critics!!! I believe in '96, close to her demise, she wanted to give back to her fans and did another show, I think at Blues Cafe'. She was in intense pain (took pills to ease it), and did a show, and the first track she did was "What a Wonderful World". THAT is another thing that I loved about her. Knowing the end for her was near, she still thought about her fans, and, didn't dwell on the negativity of her situation, but celebrated what she had experienced. It's love at a higher level than many of us can attain. As you say, it was angelic the way she sang the song. I've often described her as Heaven on earth for a time. She is an Angel, and made us all "feel" something. I'm a old, grown ass man, and she manages to pull a tear out of me, every time I hear this one. I don't exactly know of where she sings about in this song, but I know I want to be there. Be well sir. -a new subscriber! -dan
Bob, it so sad and regrettable about the horror suffered in Chicago yesterday. When I got the notification that you reacted to this incredible version of Over the Rainbow, I smiled. My apologies for being so persistent in my requests for you to react to this masterpiece, but I knew that you would find it magical, beautiful and moving. Thank you very much for your reaction. I discovered Eva Cassidy over 15 years ago through the magic of Pandora where they recommend songs in the same genre as what I had requested. I cannot even remember which artist prompted that suggestion, but I became an instant fan after hearing Eva sing Fields of Gold. I now have all of her albums. I am also a huge fan of Angelina Jordan. A truly amazing talent. I have heard and can certainly recommend the Eva/Angelina "mashup". But if I may suggest, please listen and/or react to Eva's solo version first. It is as magical as Over the Rainbow. And I believe listening to Eva's solo before the "duet" will give you a better perspective. Best wishes.
Actually there is a studio version of this song which she recorded and it's on the Best of Eva Cassidy album. It's a fraction smoother but has no greater impact. By the way, the sound on this recording is not from a camcorder but recorded on a proper recording desk which is why it's of such good quality.
Hi Bob, great reaction! I can't listen to this version without kleenex, it just dissolves me into a puddle of tears. This is the absolute platinum version of this song ever. She OWNS this song. Her voicings, her arrangement is simply breathtaking. I gotta agree with you- she had not yet been diagnosed, but I suspect she knew something was up. As for her guitar playing, she was relatively new to playing guitar, and was very insecure about it. Playing a Guild helps, been a Guild-o-phile for years, there's just something about their tone and voice...speaking of voice, hers is something SO very special. Her phrasing, and dynamics are quite incredible. In this song, she projects vulnerability, tenderness, sweetness, sorrow, hope, and intimacy- as if you can see into her soul. It's haunting.
Hello! Your reaction is similar to that of others,, something to the effect that the listener had heard the song many times but that the beauty of the lyrics had never come through before. That was Eva's way, she could cover a song so that it was like hearing it for the first time.
Thank you for listening to and appreciating Eva. She was an incredible simger who crossed into many different genres, blues, jazz, gospel, and many more. Eva only sang songs that had meaning to her. She was offered a recording contract with Blue Note, the jazz label, and refused their offer as she didn't want to be restricted to just one genre. Please check out her version of Autumn Leaves from the same concert, it is sublime. As a musician I appreciate your comments and have subscribed in the hope of watching you react to more songs from both Eva and Lara Fabian.
Interesting that you said ''that's the way the song was supposed to be sung.'' That's pretty much what Sting said when he heard Eva's version of ''Fields of Gold.'' He said, '' That's what I imagined when I wrote the song.''
I agree with your comments on modern society. This song is very wistful or wishful if you like. She puts a lot of her soul into it. Great singer i own several of her cd's.. This particular song is in my top ten ever. She is always a great choice, thank you.
So happy that you finally discovered Eva Cassidy. She has so many incredible covers, she reinvented so many songs, often adding some Jazzy elements. And she had the most beautiful and pure voice I have ever heard. There are so many songs to recommend, but Songbird is a must. Fields of gold and autumn leaves are also 2 incredible song.
“Izzy Israel” did this creative song in the 1980s. Heavenly, magical. He was a legend from Hawaii and passed away in the 80s because of an eating disorder. A masterpiece. Don’t miss it. Al
2 comments: Eva's guitar playing only seems simple. On the YT channel Wings of Pegasus, the host, Fil, goes through exactly how intricate her guitar playing is. Highly recommended. And #2, I was surprised that you didn't note how Eva took this song to a great climax, esp. after your criticism of previous covers that didn't go anywhere.
Judy Garland made this song famous in the 1939 movie "The Wizard Of Oz". Eva Cassidy did such a beautiful rendition of this song. So sad that she is no longer with us. She died at only 33 years of age. I also love the version by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Sadly he also died young at 38 years of age. At least we have their music left as a legacy.
It's like she turned it into a whole different song. I had never heard of Eva before this, but she was incredibly talented. Sad that she passed away so young, but who knows? Maybe God asks her to sing this song every day. ✝️ PS - And I grew up as a big fan of "The Wizard of Oz," so I always liked hearing "Dorothy" (Judy) singing the song while Toto was next to her. But, I have to be honest. Eva's take on this song seems a lot more modern and closer to what I like. (Every other cover of this song I've ever heard was done in the same style as Judy did it, but Eva's version is totally different. That speaks to creative talent).
This was recorded professionally. She paid for this performance to be recorded. See the documentary about her, her performance, and the recording at ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XEqzTlZdfSo.html
There is an unbelievable amount of recorded music of Eva. Her renditions of songs is a rabbit hole worth falling into. She only sang songs that she wanted to and she covers many genres which is why record companies didn't sign her. She and Sohyang (another unsigned singer) are my go to singers.
Loved this ..she is by far one of the most incredible female vocalists. I agree had heard the original so many times over the years but after Eva's version I suddenly realised it's actually sad and quite dark..was literally like hearing it for the first time for me to when I heard her version. She died and only reached notoriety after her death..so sad. Another incredible female vocalist is Lara Fabian..maybe you could react to je suis malade (I do suggest with English subs). I think she might blow your mind. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dVvlmpo5g9k.html
Now, Dorothy dear stop even imagining things. You always get yourself into a fret over nothing. Now you just help us out today and find yourself a place where you won't get into any trouble. Dorothy: (To herself) Someplace where there isn't any trouble. (To Toto) Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It's not a place you can get to by a boat or a train. It's far, far away. Behind the moon... Beyond the rain.
Hello Bob and thanks a lot for a great reaction to this very beautiful rendition of "Over The Rainbow". Eva has joined such a long list of artists that were known posthumously, like a lot of painters and classical music composers. I guess that's how it goes sometimes. You have to wonder if they were put here for a specific reason somehow. I know a few in the comments have suggested you react to the Eva/Angelina mashup. I also think that you should give that one a go, it's a beautiful one. And the best part is that Angelina's TikTok version of it (1 min 24 seconds) remains fairly untouched before the mashup begins. I really have to say that those 84 seconds are pure bliss for any Angelina fan. I will drop links to both her TikTok version and the mashup for you here : Angelina's TikTok version : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4WwJHHxxHVk.html Eva/Angelina mashup : ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Pczc6OTeNRw.html Take care, Bob. Love from Norway 🙂
I would love to see Angelina do a full-length version. The two you mentioned above are beautiful. Angelina lead me to Eva via this song. Here is Eva's version: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9UVjjcOUJLE.html
People suggest you look more deeply into Eva Cassidy's "songbook", and I couldn't agree with them more. But I'm encouraging you to look beyond "all the usual suspects" The entire set of songs she did that made it onto the DVD from the two nights at Blues Alley in DC has its many genres. I want you to listen to the way she sings Jazz. I think her best "feel" for a song is when she's into her Jazz mode. I'm especially pointing to her great arrangement of "Cheek to Cheek". How many times has this song been done by Jazz artists since being done by the great Fred Astaire -- while dancing with Ginger Rogers, no less.? Eva's arrangement sounds new and fresh. You can't help but feel the movement in the music. Personally, "Cheek to Cheek" is my favorite of all her songs. She did all the arrangements for the songs she did for that Blues Alley gig. She doesn't "sing" songs, she "interprets" them.
Not to pit one artist against another, Lucy Thomas also recorded a video. Quite similar but with Lucy's spin on it. I've never heard Eva Cassidy before. Pretty good.
I only discovered Eva during the past year after seeing so many commenters mention her in Angelina reactor comments. Her voice and style is just beautiful. I have always loved the original arrangement but Eva made it a new song to me. Now I have 2 great songs to enjoy. On another note, I know you enjoy Haley Reinhart. Being from Chicago I believe you would truly enjoy her performance of Blind Faith's (Eric Clapton) "Can't Find My Way Home" at the famed CHESS RECORDS studio in Chicago in Aug.2020. It is just Haley and her dad on acoustic guitar. She goes on to sing an original, inspired by Etta James "I Don't Know How To Love You" that is a beautiful song. IMO, this is Haley's best performance and that is saying a lot! Even if you don't react to them you might enjoy on your own time. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-omtsHEs2g0w.html
Hi Frank. That sounds very interesting. I've always enjoyed Blind Faith. That and Had To Cry Today are my two favorite of theirs. I've bookmarked it for a future reaction. Thanks!
Heavenly says it all for me. Such a sad day. You are right in this was perfect timing to play Miss Cassidy’s song. When will the questions turn to cures? That day will come I have no doubt. Then that rainbow and that promise made centuries ago “no more tears “ and the tent of the almighty will be with mankind. Love your channel. Hope has to anchor us in these days. Answers…… please forgive me for my ranting. I’ll be looking forward to the future no matter what.
Actually Eva reminds me of Angelina Jordan as Angelina arranges distant oldies and makes a song her own and makes a song better than the original, check Angelina’s latest dropped video, Suspicious Minds !
Love your analysis of the juxtaposition of the voice and guitar. Incidentally she had a cold that weekend, hence the slight cracking of the voice occasionally. She wanted to cancel, but it was all organised and paid for so she went ahead. Thank goodness she did, because that was January 1996 and she died in November, and that's all we have. Check this for the story of that weekend. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-XEqzTlZdfSo.html&ab_channel=EvaCassidy
Bob, can you believe you can actually listen to Eva Cassidy sing with Angelina Jordan. A content creator has done a masterful mashup of these two artists singing Fields of Gold. A must see.
It not only is good to turn to music when bad thing happen, but I believe this particular performance is being reacted to by hundreds of reactors because we are entering a Prophetic End Times in America and the World. We are being treated to something God Himself bestowed apon this young woman that He is using it to Emote a the End if the Age and the ushering of Eternity to us through a prophetic sign He gave us when He said He would never destroy mankind again. That sign was the Rainbow in the sky. I believe He is having her rewrite the song wihout changing the lyrics to give us a foretaste of the Rapture of His Church, which we will FLY OVER THAT VERY RAINBOW HE GAVE US TO meet Him in the Sky. Only a Sovereign God, who lives outside of space and time as we know it, can take a song written in 1939 for a movie, give it to a 33 year old dying of cancer woman in 1996, have millions of us revisit it in 2023 and 2024 so that we can understand the beauty of how He works all things for our good and present it as evidence of how we will enter Eternity, which is a soon to be event! AMEN AND AMEN
Judy Garland sang it like, "OMG I know this place over the rainbow and it is so amazing you've got to go there!!" ---- Eva Cassidy sings it like she is in a very sad, lonely place and she really wants to be free from where she's at and go there... She NEEDS to go there. You may be right about the diagnosis... that might be where the emotion is coming from. If not that, it makes me think there may have been some abuse involved :(((((
Yes, no point in any more covers. Other singers you may have missed: Lara Fabian (Je Suis Malade) and Pentatonix (Halleluia, Daft Punk). You've got a lot of funahead of you.
This is the same song by Conor Mason of Nothing But Thieves: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ljK_uNl4_8o.htmlsi=VaaoGe9bRHsPUlyI Like you, I’d never been a fan of the song, but Conor’s take on it changed my mind. I was looking for Eva’s version as it was mentioned in the comments on Conor’s, and your reaction came up. I know you’ve reacted to Nothing But Thieves before and appreciated Conor’s voice, so I thought you might be interested to hear this. I’ve watched it so many times and it still gives me goosebumps!
Hi Laura. Always appreciate the recommendations (especially when there's a link! It makes it easy). I'll check it out and definitely bookmark it for a future reaction. Thanks.
She grew up playing. She played under a huge oak tree by a gazebo in her parents yard and in all the school talent shows she won. The kids in her schools loved her talent.
It was melanoma, or skin cancer that had spread to her internal organs. She left us far too soon. Think of the musical performances could have given us had she had the time.
Hello Bob, I agree with you on almost all points. Her voice, her guitar playing, the emotions she arouses. Everything is great. But I don't like this slow and for me sad sounding version. Maybe I'm in the wrong mood for this right now. That matters a lot. I love the version from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. It sounds happy. - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ➖ 'Over The Rainbow' & 'What A Wonderful World' Medley ➖ 1993 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Z26BvHOD_sg.html There is another version that I love very much. The version was recorded by Patricia Janečková 10 years ago when she was 14 years old. Patricia sings for an 89 years old woman, who cares about her great-grandson as the only person from his family. - Patricia Janečková - Over The Rainbow - Live 2012.10.3 - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-306SXTdt3CY.html In the meantime she is classically trained. If you like classical voices, you should check out her version of The Doll Song, The Tales of Hoffmann - JACQUES OFFENBACH - Les contes d'Hoffmann - "Les oiseaux dans la charmille" - Patricia Janeckova - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ybPQKhrQaJ4.html You will have fun watching it. Wikipedia: Patricia Janečková was born in Germany to Slovakian parents. When she was three months old, her parents moved with her to Ostrava in the Czech Republic, where she grew up. Janečková received first prize at the Sacred Music International Competition 2014 in Rome as the youngest participant. In February 2022, Patricia Janečková announced that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and announced that her work would be interrupted as a result. I hope that you and your wife are feeling better. I wish you a nice day and Greetings from Germany
I'd love to hear your reaction to Joni Mitchell's redo of Both Sides Now. I actually prefer this to the original arrangement. The lyrics really stand out. A much more thoughtful rendition. I guess that comes with age. Here it is --ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tKQSlH-LLTQ.html