Method Actor Band/Eva Cassidy: Method Actor (2003)

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

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Published: June 25, 2003

Method Actor Band/Eva Cassidy: Method Actor

Eva Cassidy gave it her all. With her crystal-clear voice and passion-filled arrangements, she adopted a broad audience. While this first album by Cassidy is quite different from her later recordings, it elucidates that special quality in her voice and temperament that came to be recognized far and wide. Ten rock and blues anthems – composed by Method Actor’s lead guitarist and pianist, David Christopher – make a comfortable session that’s easy on the ears. The dramatic poise in Cassidy’s voice makes each track shine brightly. Her multi-tracked background vocals, as well, provide exceptional examples. Cassidy’s interpretation of “Stay,” for instance, warms the heart through its genuine spirit. “End the Rain” and “How Will It End” provide a dramatic rock anthem feeling that can stay with you all day long.

The Washington, D.C.-based band Method Actor was founded by Christopher in 1987. They broke up three years later. That’s when Cassidy, then 27, pursued her solo career in jazz, soul, funk, blues, folk and rock. She was only 33 when she died of cancer (metastatic melanoma) in 1996, leaving behind only a handful of recordings.

Method Actor contains two previously unreleased bonus tracks: “Little Children” and “The Waiting is Over,” both of which were recorded in 1989.

Cassidy’s vocal interpretations on this debut album provide universal appeal. Each rock and blues anthem on Method Actor leaves something special for all of us to remember her by.

Track Listing: Getting Out; Look In To My Eyes; When It

Personnel: Eva Cassidy- vocals; Jim Campbell- drums; Kenn-Torb-Fiester- bass; David Christopher- acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboards; Ned Judy- keyboards; Tom Copeland- horns on

Record Label: BLP
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream