Where do I go from Eva Cassidy?


Try to understand where I’m coming from and please bear with my eclectic taste.

With fleeting exceptions, I listen exclusively to Classical music (professional musician and Classical junkie). I’ve heard all the popular song styles, but nothing really appeals to me (no offense, please). My wife asked for an “Eva Cassidy” (who is she?) album for Christmas. So, I bought her ”Song Bird” and we both loved it! Listening to Eva Cassidy was a transforming experience for me. Beauty, Subtlety, Freshness, Artistry, Poetry, an Essential Spirituality and somehow she makes the unbearable in life suddenly seem--bearable. Everything else (non-Classical) just seemed like meer entertainment (no thanks). Here was a transporting poetic and spiritual experience. Now, I play her all her albums over and over and over…. Eventually, I might also listen to something else (non-Classical)?

But, where to go from here? As fussy and unsatisfied as I am with standard styles of music (again, no offense…), is there any non-Eva suggestion for a special artistic/spiritual experience?—maybe suggested from an Eva Cassidy fanatic who might understand what I mean. (Not contemporary Christian style—I record in that industry—and…well, pass). Something incredibly special, personal, transcending. I tried Diana Krall who sings very well—but, not interested—not on the same creative level, too much in a standard style, sings in a sexy vein (which I liked was not Eva’s intention in my perspective) and not really from a spiritual place. My wife’s Enya CD’s are an improvement.

Where to go from Eva Cassidy…?

Thanks!
montobo
I second Kate Wolf. Though recommend her 2 CD set
"Weaver Of Visions: The Kate Wolf Anthology". Over 2 1/2 hours covering almost every song she recorded. Has much newer and bettering digital mastering than her earlier CDs.

Another personal favorite is Katy Moffat's "Walking on the Moon"
i love Eva Cassidy.

I also love Sarah MacLachlan(spelling?). She falls under the soft rock genre. Her song, ANGEL, can bring a tear to the eye. some of her songs are more rock flavored but all sung with the same emotion and heart. she has probably a 1/2 dozen releases.

if you like Eva you may really like sarah too.

Try Linda Thompson, either her solo work or collaborations with former husband Richard, guitarist extraordinaire. Start with "Shoot Out the Lights" and "Hokey Pokey," then start exploring. You won't be sorry.
Kate & Anna McGarrigle (Heartbeats Accelerating, Dancer With Bruised Knees)
Sarah MacLachlan (Fumbling Towards Ecstacy)
Rickie Lee Jones (self titled LP, Pirates)
Lori Carson (Shelter)
Joni Mitchell (Ladies of the Canyon, Court & Spark, Miles of Aisles; they are all good!)

Cheers, Spencer