Eva Cassidy - Nightbird (180g 4LP)

Eva Cassidy's tour de force Blues Alley performances in her hometown of Washington, DC. on January 3, 1996 were recorded for what was to become Eva's only solo album released during her lifetime. However, the original Live At Blues Alley album only included 12 of the 31 songs recorded that night. Nearly 20 years later, 2015's Nightbird included all 31 songs she performed that night, among them 12 previously unreleased recordings and 8 never-before-heard songs performed by the late singer. Eva's wide musical range is showcased in songs such as "Nightbird," "Blue Skies," "Son Of A Preacher Man," "Route 66," "Late In The Evening," "Baby I Love You" and "Caravan."

Compiling the 31 Blues Alley performances into one Nightbird album was a daunting task for Bill Straw, president of Eva's posthumous label, independent Blix Street Records: "I have had the privilege of compiling eight Eva Cassidy albums, beginning with Songbird. In each instance, the luxury of Eva's considerable catalogue, from various sources, served the basic premise that less is more. The challenge of an album containing 31 tracks is the polar opposite...would more be less? Fortunately, more turned out to be much more. The first listening to all 31 tracks in one sitting was an inspiring experience. Beginning at Capitol Records in the late 60's, I had heard out-takes from the best of the best...but had never before heard anything that approached the sheer consistent vocal excellence of these 31 one-take, all on one night, performances."