‘Walkin After Midnight’ digitally released
On 6 September the new Eva Cassidy album Walkin After Midnight was digitally released. On 22 November it will be available as a CD / LP. The recordings for this intimate live album were made at the King of France Tavern, in the Maryland Inn, downtown Annapolis. Eva sang and played her acoustic guitar, she was accompanied by her friend and producer Chris Biondo on bass and Keith Grimes on electric guitar. Guest musician that night was classical, jazz and rock violinist Bruno Nasta. Eva’s voice sounded freely thanks to the space that was created by the absence of additional instruments. Bruno Nasta, who was used to playing in a symphony orchestra, proved to be an excellent fiddler as well, playing in the same style as Eva’s brother Dan. Virtuoso blues rock guitarist Keith Grimes, responded that evening with a lighter western swing feel.
Album cover
Eva had organised this gig herself, she invited Bruno to sit in, and Chris plugged a DAT recorder into the house PA system. Keith was surprised, even a little annoyed, to find himself playing with an unrehearsed fiddle player. But it worked out, wonderfully well. He and Bruno became friends over the years, and Bruno added his instrument to several of the five Emmy winning National Geographic Channel scores created by Lenny Williams and Chris Biondo.
Bruno Nasta
Bruno Nasta had initially met Eva at a Four Season’s Hotel wedding in Tyson Corner (greater Vienna), Virginia, where Eva was performing. Bruno, whose band was playing in the same hotel that night, beheld Eva for the first time, and vice versa. Bruno’s first impression of Eva was: ‘Beyond critique, pure joy.’ There had been no rehearsal before this gig. Bruno was simply winging it ‘whenever those blue eyes signalled me to come in.’ The songs that ended up on the album are: ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’, ‘Blue Skies’, ‘Next Time You See Me’, ‘Summertime’, ‘Honeysuckle Rose’, ‘Route 66’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Fever’, ‘Down Home Blues’, ‘Wade In The Water’, ‘Cheek To Cheek’ and ‘Won’t Be Long’. The recordings were made on 2 November, 1995, exactly one year before Eva died.
‘Next Time You See Me’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CBiP9vB-uk
3 responses to “‘Walkin After Midnight’ digitally released”
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God only knows why he put that voice in Eva.
I think she was put on earth to practice before the trip to heaven.
I have booked a seat for my 86 yr old body next to her and Frank (Sinatra) for when they perform together***now that’s what I will call HEAVENLY MUSIC.
Thank You Chris Biondo for recording Eva Cassidy. We lived in Veirs Mill Village just across the creek from You. My friend Al Breon was your neighbor. I first met Eva at Wolf Trap when She and Chuck Brown opened for the Neville Brothers. Eva was so cool. My girlfriend Barbara Bullock worked with Eva on the Behnke Nursery Farm in Largo.
Rest In Peace Eva. Until we meet again. ❤️✌️????
I imagine it’s … sweet melodic magic, brought forth with blood, sweat & tears (but mostly HEART) by fierce, honorable Folks. May you feel our gratitude for your honoring of the ethereal Eva.