Walkin’ After Midnight by Eva Cassidy – Album Review
By Ellie Victor
This collection of previously unreleased live recordings transports listeners to a serendipitous evening at the King of France Tavern in Annapolis on November 2, 1995. This intimate, one-off gig, born of necessity when two of Cassidy’s regular bandmates were unavailable, showcased her ability to adapt and thrive in a stripped-down setting. Joined by bassist Chris Biondo, guitarist Keith Grimes, and guest violinist Bruno Nasta, Cassidy delivered a set that encapsulates her versatility and vocal brilliance.
The sparse instrumental arrangement provided an open canvas for Cassidy’s crystalline voice to take centre stage. The album’s title track, imbued with Western Swing charm, highlights Cassidy’s ability to merge genres effortlessly. Nasta’s fiddle work shines here, adding a playful jaunt to the performance, while Cassidy’s voice dances with freedom and joy, unencumbered by the usual full band arrangement.
“Summertime,” from Gershwin’s repertoire, is another standout. Cassidy’s delivery is languorous yet assertive, her phrasing weaving between jazzy playfulness and soulful depth. Similarly, Irving Berlin’s classics receive fresh interpretations, and her rendition of “Route 66” is a bluesy, gutsy workout that channels the essence of the road.
“Interpretive talent”
The album’s finale, The Eagles’ “Desperado,” is particularly poignant. Though recorded a year earlier at Pearl’s Restaurant in Annapolis, its inclusion bridges time, as Lenny Williams’ 2024 instrumental arrangements accompany Cassidy’s emotive vocals. The result is a fine reinterpretation that highlights the timeless quality of her voice.
Cassidy’s ability to transform well-trodden standards into deeply personal statements is evidenced throughout. Her voice, powerful and tender, conveys a sincerity that transcends genre boundaries. The album includes her first-ever recording of ZZ Hill’s “Down Home Blues” alongside crowd favourites like “Fever” and “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Whether delivering Patsy Cline’s title track with a Western Swing twist or exploring the sensual undertones of jazz classics, Cassidy’s performances feel both fresh and timeless.
The collection also underscores the sheer joy Cassidy found in live performance. Her laughter during solos and playful interactions with her bandmates imbue the recordings with a sense of spontaneity and warmth. This is Cassidy at her most unguarded, her voice soaring and shimmering in a space that feels both intimate and expansive.
“Walkin’ After Midnight” demonstrates Eva Cassidy’s interpretative talent and enduring legacy. It offers fans a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in her career, a reminder of the magic she could conjure with her voice, and a bittersweet appreciation of what the world lost too soon. Even 29 years after her passing, Cassidy’s music continues to resonate deeply.
