Simply Eva is the eighth posthumous album byEva Cassidy, released on 25 January 2011, fifteen years after her death in 1996. It's a collection of 11 acoustic tracks with Cassidy herself on the guitar and an a cappella version of "I Know You By Heart". The Blues Alley version of "Over the Rainbow", which was not included in theLive at Blues Alley album, is on this album. Digital downloads include the Christmas single "Silent Night" as a bonus track.Simply Eva hit #4 on the UK Charts on February 13, 2011, and was certified silver and gold on February 18, 2011. The album debuted at #52 on theCanadian Albums Chart.
Simon Gage of theDaily Express noted "we have this celebration of the beautiful folk singer on a collection that is stripped back so that all there is left is the voice and a guitar."[2]
Thom Jurek ofAllMusic praised the album saying "If you're a fan, you need this; if you've been wondering what all the fuss is about, the naked intimacy of Simply Eva is among the most convincing arguments yet for her posthumous reputation."[1]
Andy Gill ofThe Independent wrote "On previous releases, Cassidy has usually been accompanied by small ensembles, but here she's presented completely solo, with only her own acoustic guitar supporting her on such material as "Kathy's Song" and "Autumn Leaves", the intimacy of the latter leaving one feeling like an intruder on private reverie."[3]
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