American Tune

American Tune is not the best of Eva's albums, but that still doesn't stop it from being awarded 5 star status. The Eva magic is there. In particular, for me, two tracks are outstanding. Eva's breathtaking interpretation of American Tune, the title track written by Paul Simon, is of the highest standard that Eva fans have come to expect. Her musical prowess and interpretation of Simon's telling lyrics of the "American Dream", convey both the triumphs and the heartaches of immigrants' expectations once they had arrived in their promised land, AMERICA. With her voice alone, Eva can convey to the listener both the hopes and the dreams of these new Americans citizens. To cover this powerful track, initially performed by Simon himself, would have been a challenge for anyone but Eva lifts its to new heights. American Tune now belongs to Eva. Her name will become synonymous with American Tune - America's new Anthem. Americans are very patriotic and Eva's version of this powerful song will come to represent the pride of being an American. I see this album being a big success in the USA.

In my opinion, the absolute runaway winner track on the album is You Take My Breath Away. This is the most beautiful love song I've heard in a very long time - lyrics by Claire Hamill 1973. The melody, the words and Eva's divine interpretation intoxicates you. I have found it impossible not to keep replaying the track, it's just so hauntingly beautiful to the ears, heart and soul. It is reminiscent of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and has that same special quality that brought Eva to the attention of the UK's music lovers. I confidently expect that You Take My Breath Away is going to be capturing the hearts of music lovers world-wide very soon. This track is impossible not to fall in love with. I expect to be hearing it frequently in the UK over the coming months.

Eva Cassidy, musical phenomenon of the 21st Century.

It's my belief that Eva only recorded a track if she felt that she could do it justice, put her stamp on it and bring a fresh interpretation to the original composition.

Most of the recordings on this CD were made in one take and have only recently been discovered. They all show her talent and that of Keith Grimes and Chris Biondo.

Forget the artificially produced unpluggeded version that other Artists put out this is UNPLUGGED in it's true and natural state.

A couple of the tracks like True Colours and Yesterday you will enjoy straight off because of their familiarity BUT the beauty of this album is that Eva introduces you to her musical favourites and influences.

My favorite at the moment is Dark Eyed Molly with Keith Grime's haunting tin whistle. Eva heard this Fairport Convention song back in 1990 and immediately wanted to record it. She has taken it to another level and I hope that it will get people asking who Fairport are and get them to search out the group and their distinctive sometimes raunchy English Folk.

This is I believe what Eva has left behind not only a great interpretation of other artists work but a SIGN POST to other artists.

In contrast to Dark Eyed Molly the her version Duke Ellington's It Don't mean a thing(If it ain't got that swing) really bounces along and lets her show off another dimension to and control of her voice and Bruno Nasta's violin is a joy to listen to.

Dan Cassidy picks up the violin for Yesterday whilst Lenny Williams give a tremendous piano performance accompanying Eva's voice and guitar playing on the Beatle's classic.

The Album finishes off with 'You Take My Breathe Away' written by English singer and songwriter Claire Hamill a song that she used to perform at weddings and a lovely track to conclude the album.

I must have been playing the album on and off now for about three weeks and each time I do a different track stands out.

I would recommend that you buy for your collection for the simple reason that no matter what mood you are in there will always be a track that you can put on to either compliment or alter.