Kildare singer pays tribute to Eva Cassidy ahead of 'Songbird' shows in August

Naas-based artist Niamh Strong will be performing in McAuley Place, Naas with "Songbird" The songs of Eva Cassidy on August 28 at 8-10pm. The Kildare artist will be alongside musicians Mark Dudley and Diarmuid Lally for what the event holders calls "a beautiful intimate acoustic night of song."

You can buy your tickets to the show by clicking the link here.

Strong spoke at length about the influence of Eva Cassidy and how she channels the late, great artist.

She said, "The first time I heard Eva Cassidy sing was a day that I’ve never forgotten. Eva was singing Somewhere Over The Rainbow, live from The Blues Alley. The black and white clip was stunning, her acoustic guitar playing was effortless. She gave me goosebumps. There and then I discovered my love for Eva Cassidy.

"The next day I bought her album Songbird and I had that CD everywhere I went."

The Naas-based performer also spoke about Cassidy's influence on her career because of the American singer's unique approach to the music industry and her desire to always sing the song's that she wanted to.

Strong explained, "She took any song and made it her own. Sting said Fields Of Gold is not his song anymore after Eva recorded it. This is something that inspired me. Eva taught me that you can record any song and make it your own with your own particular creativity and voice.

"Over the years I wanted to give something back to her, so I went in and recorded my 10-track album dedicated to her. All songs Eva had recorded. You get the elements of blues, soul, jazz and folk. She did it all."

Ahead of her August shows in tribute to the American artist, Strong also highlighted the emotional nature of performing the songs of someone that she so deeply admires.

"I’m not Eva, but can you imagine if you saw her live? What a magical, emotional, amazing experience that would be! I would have loved to have seen her live. To this day, I’m still learning more about her and finding new songs that she recorded. They’re all very precious. She was an amazing artist," Strong said.

"Performing in Waterford recently, I met people from Maryland, where Eva was born. They are huge Eva lovers and they couldn’t believe that they were seeing a show in Ireland about her. The connection I feel to this woman and her music moves me deeply. I’m just so glad to be a part of the Eva gang."

READ NEXT: Karma police – justice served to Kildare motorist