A bright light on Eva Cassidy’s multifaceted personality
After watching The Essence of Eva, you really feel like you have gotten to know the singer and visual artist who died at the early age of 33. The long-awaited documentary about Eva Cassidy (1963–1996) is surprisingly comprehensive. Filmmakers Malcolm Willis and Alex Fegan have succeeded in getting many different key figures from Eva’s life in front of their camera.
You can listen to this review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCiFVphjx1k
Almost thirty years after her death, it is inevitable that some of them are no longer with us. To fill in the gaps, Willis and Fegan dug up some interesting recordings from the archives. Radio producer Sir Terry Wogan (1938 – 2016), who introduced Eva’s remarkable voice in the UK (and with it the rest of the world), reminisces, as does his right-hand man producer Paul Walters (1947 – 2006). The Godfather of GoGo Chuck Brown (1936 – 2012), who had a stimulating influence on the shy singer’s stage presence, also speaks warm words about Eva posthumously.
Eva Cassidy
Pianist and school friend Ned Judy, who was so disappointed in the media that he turned down interview requests in the past, now characterises Eva with great empathy. Mother Barbara and brother and sister Daniel and Annette share personal observations about their daughter and sister. Dan explains where Eva’s self-criticism came from. Barbara describes Eva’s attention to the fragile beauty of a flower growing between the tiles. Even in the face of death, when almost no one could find words of comfort, Eva pointed out to her mother the rays of sunshine that fell ‘so beautifully between the Venetian blinds’ into her bedroom.
Chuck Brown (1936 – 2012)
The contribution of friend, producer and fellow musician Chris Biondo is enlightening and enriching. Biondo abandons the tough attitude that long characterised him and convincingly demonstrates his unconditional admiration and love for Eva. Biondo generously recounts how he used to give record boss Bill Straw a hard time in the past, but that they are now ‘very good friends’. A little more background information about this development would have been welcome, however. And why was the name of Hot Records manager Andrew Bowles, who spoke on behalf of the company, not mentioned?
Ned Judy and Eva Cassidy as performing teenagers
Willis and Fegan have taken an independent stance, also covering work from Eva’s early period, such as with the group Method Actor. Eva’s sister Annette delves deeper into Eva’s visual art. Among other things, she explains the meaning of the bubbles that Eva added to her paintings. Pianist Lenny Williams uses Eva’s interpretation of ‘Autumn Leaves’ to explain why he believes Eva Cassidy was a singer in the highest league. The presence of admirers Mick Fleetwood and Sting certainly will lower the threshold.
Hugh and Barbara Cassidy
The filmmakers got their hands on a lot of unknown video and audio material, such as Eva’s performance at Mick Fleetwood’s music club and the last song Eva sang on stage at The Bayou in Georgetown: ‘What A Wonderful World’. Anna Karen Kristinsdóttir describes Eva’s decline as a result of her illness. The account of Eva’s Icelandic friend will leave no viewer unmoved.
The Essence of Eva sheds a bright light on the multifaceted personality of Eva Cassidy. No doubt, this documentary will attract many new Eva fans. Hopefully, The Essence of Eva will soon be available to the general public.
Johan Bakker, music journalist, author of Behind the Rainbow, the story of Eva Cassidy (Omnibus Press, London / New York)
8 responses to “A bright light on Eva Cassidy’s multifaceted personality”
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For years, Sam Cooke was my favorite singer. Then I heard Eva Cassidy. Now Sam Cooke is my favorite male singer. And the appreciation of both of them is intense…
I found a cd of Eva Cassidy about 10 yrs back played it over and over and read the cover of the Cd ,I was mesmerized by her voice song fields of gold ,something about it touched me ,like it was apart of me somehow ,I just fell in love we are about the same age ,I was born in 62 ,I just felt some kind of connection and its still one of my favorites collections I love to this day ,
How can I see the Essence of Eva? We have the Historic Star Theatre in Berkeley Springs WV and would love to air it there. Please let me know. Thank You.
Roger Lyle 301-933-2599
It’s not available for the general public yet, we have to be patient!
Huge Fan! Found her music around 2003……Looking forward to seeing the documentary!
Can’t wait for the day when this work of love and admiration is sitting in our living room.
We are so looking forward to this documentary. Been a fan for many years!
Is this available via streaming or CD. I have love her music since I first heard it in the late 90’s. I would love to purchase.