Eva Tree
Blue Skies CD Release Party

By Steve Wacker, Victory Review

Seattle-based singer/songwriter Eva Tree and her band really enjoyed themselves at Mr. Spot's Chai House in Ballard on Saturday night, April 3. The occasion marked the release of Eva's first album, called Blue Skies--a finely crafted collection of 8 original songs. Eva and husband Bill Dickerson cowrote most of the songs (two songs have additional collaborators), all of which showcase Eva's stunning vocals.

Eva's a Northwest native, but from a little farther north--Nelson, British Columbia, to be precise. Seattle has been her home for the last 5 or 6 years, but only in the last year or so has she been gracing us with her smoky, jazz-inflected vocals. She cites a number of superb singers as influences, including Joan Armatrading, Cassandra Wilson, Nina Simone, and Annie Lennox. We all have our influences, but Eva has forged a unique, ethereal, and soulful sound that combines various vocal elements with her own innate musical gifts.

The evening opened with a set by Jump Ensemble, an entertaining jazz trio with a great sense of swing as well as a sense of humor. Greg Robinson on piano and Marty Hasegawa on bass are anchored by drummer/percussionist Mark Filler, who also plays in Eva's band. These guys are excellent musicians who enjoy playing together, and the crowd--mostof whom were there to see Eva--was appreciative. Two of my favorites were arrangements of the Yip Harburg classic "If I Only Had a Brain" from The Wizard of Oz and the theme (sorry I don't know who composed it) from the American TV classic Leave It to Beaver. Good stuff.

Eva and her band (Bill Dickerson on guitar and background vocals, Baz Markey on bass, and the aforementioned Mark Filler on drums and percussion) performed an extended set that included songs from the CD as well as a few covers. I've seen Eva a number of times over the last year or so, although mostly as a solo performer, which is relatively new for her. She enjoys the freedom of performing solo, but says that the support of a band gives her the ability to really focus on singing, which is what she truly loves.

Eva was in fine form on this night, and the ensemble playing was very good. The crowd was enthusiastic and supportive, and Eva positively glowed. Guest appearances by guitarist Ron Allen on "Time Flies By" (he also plays on the CD) and Kathryn Mostow (a fine singer in her own right) on "No More Fear" were among the evening's highlights. Eva and Kathryn's harmonies created a wonderful positive energy--I'd love to hear them sing together more often.

One of the things I find so enjoyable about this ensemble is the tastefulness of the arrangements and the fullness of the sound they achieve with just one or two acoustic guitars, bass, and percussion. Bill Dickerson is a superb guitarist, but not one to flood the music with too many notes--his playing is subtle yet powerful. Mark Filler's percussion work not only swings, but he's also one of the most musical percussionists I think I've ever seen. His kit includes a wide array of instruments, and he contributes a multitude of colors to Eva's sound. Mark's playing and that of the irrepressible Baz Markey on bass combine to provide a solid musical foundation.

As a songwriter, Eva says her influences range from Shawn Colvin to Suzanne Vega to Leonard Cohen. Her songs have something of a mystical sound, which I think is a combined effect of the music and lyrics. There are no simple three-chord songs here--or if there are they're well disguised. I've only had a chance to listen to the CD a couple of times, but the quality of the arrangements and the production is first-rate. There are a few places where Eva's voice gives me chills--check out her "Well, well, well." aside at the beginning of "Body & Soul," or the exuberant high notes she hits at the end of "Time Flies By."

A few months ago I told someone that Eva's got the kind of voice that can stop a roomful of people in their tracks. Buy this CD or go hear her perform--I think you'll agree. I hope to continue hearing her sing for many years to come.

—Steve Wacker , Victory Review

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