Labour of love
After a long day, Katrina fell asleep at Chris Biondo’s home.
Katrina in Maryland, Episode 4
I open my eyes in a small bedroom. My open suitcase is next to the narrow bed. I have woken up in another world. As I walk down the corridor to find the bathroom, I hear the chirping of birds, a window must be open somewhere.
When I am dressed, I open the door to the living room. My eye catches the green clock painted by Eva Cassidy that I recognise from the Time After Time album. Now I understand where the bird sounds are coming from. The balcony doors are wide open. Curious, I look around the corner and see an elegantly dressed woman sitting there engrossed in a book. “Good morning,” I say.
Clock
“Hi, you must be Katrina,” she says, “I’m Eileen.” She invites me to join her outside and offers to make breakfast. The birds chirp on imperturbably. ‘And the songbirds keep singing, like they know the score.’
“Chris is already back at work,” Eileen says as she appears on the balcony with a tray of bread, waffles and coffee, “he’s a real workaholic.” “And you can enjoy your peace and quiet,” I say.
Beads
Eileen is interested in Europe: “While studying art history, I visited France and Italy. I love Renaissance art. And for that you really have to be in Europe.” Eileen uses her artistic knowledge and skills in her work as a designer. In this way, she also plays a role in the Eva Cassidy story. “I designed some of her albums: the first one was Eva By Heart. I spent a lot of time on that one. I had only just known Chris at the time. He had made the album with the idea that it was the best compilation of songs by Eva. I designed a substantial booklet with lots of pictures in it. Unfortunately, it was withdrawn from sale when the photographer realised that the album was selling well. When it comes to money, people show their true nature.”
Decorated table
Eileen had to come up with an alternative. “Later I designed the booklets for Time After Time and American Tune.” “How nice that clock is in your room,” I say. “It’s a real clock that actually works. We have many more objects Eva made or painted, just come with me.” I follow Eileen into the living room. She removes all sorts of objects from a table: “Look, this whole table top is in fact a work of art by Eva.” Full of amazement, I look at the impressive piece of craft. “We should have treated it more carefully,” says Eileen. Across the room, she points to a painting of a brightly coloured fish and a slender white sculpted vase. From a cupboard she pulls out a pair of beaded necklaces: “Eva made these as well. She was always creating.”
Vase
“Have you met Eva?” I ask. “Briefly, she was sick by then. Chris was devastated. Their relationship had already ended, but their friendship remained until the end.” “Actually even longer,” I say, “Chris still does a lot for her.” “Yes, that’s true,” says Eileen softly, “It’s pure labour of love.”
“But thanks to his efforts, Eva has posthumously sold millions of CDs,” I object.
Eva Cassidy
Eileen’s face tightens. “He forfeited the rights to their music. After Eva died, Chris visited her parents and gave them the tapes of all the recordings he had made. He regrets that now.”
One response to “Labour of love”
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Eva Touched Our Hearts ♥️ And Souls With Her Amazing Angelic Voice I Have All Her CDs ? Which I Will Cherish Forever!!!????♥️♥️♥️♥️