My inspiration for this post came from my dear, longtime blogging friend, Debbie @ Musings by an ND Domer's Mom, who is not only a gifted...
Today, I combined two favorite topics within one post.
- Autumn leaves
- And the voice of Eva Cassidy
I only first discovered Eva Cassidy last year, when I came across a recording on YouTube entitled, Autumn Leaves - Eva Cassidy and the London Symphony Orchestra.
"Autumn Leaves" is a song I absolutely adore. My father used to play it on our stereo console in the living room when I was a kid. Throughout the years, I've heard many interpretations; all of which I enjoyed. However, the moment I heard Eva Cassidy's, it instantly went to #1. And what makes it so special is not only the quality of her crystalline voice, but that she sings the song against the melody, which gives it a completely different feel. When I initially heard it, it was like hearing it for the very first time.
It is truly the most gorgeous interpretation because it's like listening to a sacred hymn that goes straight to your heart. She brings feelings and emotions out in the song I never knew existed.
One of my favorite things to do in autumn is to sit on a bench in the park as the leaves fall (which I did yesterday afternoon), while streaming the song through my earbuds. And I'm not ashamed to say that it always moves me to tears.
It's especially when I listen to Eve Cassidy's Autumn Leaves I realize what a blessing it is to have a sense of hearing.
And for me, what makes listening to this song so bittersweet is that Eva Cassidy was only on this earth for a very brief time.
During a promotional event for the Live at Blues Alley CD in July 1996, Cassidy noticed an ache in her hips, which she attributed to stiffness from painting murals. The pain persisted, and, a few weeks later, she was diagnosed with melanoma. By the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had spread throughout her body. Cassidy’s health rapidly deteriorated, and her final performance was in September 1996.
Eva Cassidy died on November 2, 1996, at 33.
She was described by the British newspaper The Guardian as “one of the greatest voices of her generation.” She had a diverse repertoire of jazz, blues, folk, gospel and pop. Cassidy remained virtually unknown outside of her native Washington, DC. It wasn't until she passed, did her talents become more broadly known.
I wish I had discovered Eva earlier because I would have been one of her biggest fans.
Below are more photographs I took of my favorite season and the beauty it brings in the way of autumn leaves.
In conclusion, I would like to share the video I first saw of Eva Cassidy singing, "Autumn Leaves." It's an artistic masterpiece - musically, vocally, and visually.
When you have a moment, please enjoy. And be sure to listen right up to the end. You won't be sorry.
Here is a quote I found in the comment section of this video that expresses exactly how I feel about Eva Cassidy:
"Her tone, her phrasing, her crescendos, her oh so perfect notes held in mid-air that feel as though God speaks through her. This woman possessed a voice unequaled or unsurpassed anywhere or any when! Her talent ended way too soon but these recordings are a testimony to the proof that she lived among us and the world should be grateful of that. Her voice never fails to bring my waterfalls out."
Have a beautiful weekend, everyone! 💗
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