Eve Gallagher & Uli Heinzler “God Bless The Child”

One would say, with a voice like hers, Eve Gallagher could sing anything. Even the contents of a phonebook, as we lovingly say in my mother tongue. And this is absolutely the case for Eve, whom some might remember from her 1990s dance songs produced by Boy George.

Teamed up with a producer and bassist, Uli Heinzler, Eve is taking us on a different type of a journey with her recently released album. “Never Too Late” is all about blues. A deep, earthy sound rooted in traditional vibes. A tribute to those who shaped it, and a modern take on the genre which some would consider old-fashioned or, for the lack of a better word, vintage.

Yet this is also an album which features a cover of an absolute jazz classic. Billie Holiday’s “God Bless The Child”. In a stripped down arrangement, sung beautifully, and differently at the same time. “When I listened to different versions of “God Bless The Child” on Spotify”, says Uli, “I realised that I couldn’t find one that really leaned towards gospel or blues. Billie Holiday’s version features strings, Annie Lennox interprets the song with a pop piano arrangement, and Aretha Franklin gives it a very soulful feel.”

So, Uli’s version had to be different. Shaped by a minimalist approach, which sets it apart from the other interpretations. Just the piano, and the upright bass as the main instruments, and Eve Gallagher on the vocals. And let me say this again – with a voice like Eve’s, you do not need much more. The way it wraps itself around the instrumentation, and the way it pours itself into the listener’s soul, makes it unique, but somehow familiar at the same time.

From jazz to blues, Uli and Eve’s version of “God Bless The Child” becomes a bold statement. Not because of any sonic fireworks or an insanely modernised production. But because of treating the original with respect, yet making it their own. Subtle, minimalist and musically honest to the core. What’s not minimalist about this cover, though, is the sheer amount of warmth emanating from the recording. And that’s where Uli sees its strength. “Precisely in its simplicity”.

Ready to give it a listen?

Photo: Press release