Here’s another cover by an artist I’ve given up trying to find information about. It’s too lovely and too timely to keep this on the “maybe someday” list any longer.
I know nothing about Catherine Davila–and I mean nothing. I can’t find any trace of her on the Web or on social media, and her YouTube channel only has three videos, all of which were uploaded years ago.
But one of those three videos is a tender cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Valentine’s Day,” and Catherine’s performance suggests she’s an artist of considerable talent both as a singer and an arranger.
Bruce’s original version has a desperate urgency to it; Catherine’s version is easier, more secure, but no less tender and devoted–in fact, it may even be more so.
She chose to drop the song’s second verse, and that decision completely transforms the song. No longer does a friend’s life-altering event prompt the narrator’s own revelation. Instead, her version of “Valentine’s Day” is a true valentine–a pledge of constant and enduring love, underscored by warm strings.
Happy day to all the valentines out there, lonely and otherwise.
Thanks for this wonderful cover. One lovely thing about the Internet is the pieces of gold left behind by folks who move on to other things, often leaving us wondering who they are and where they went. This post also led me to her lovely cover of “Sorrow in the Wind.” Take care.
One of my favorite tracks from Tunnel. Thanks, Ken, for unearthing this gorgeous version
Great version!
Hey, this is me! I was just revisiting this recording and noticed a comment on my video pointing to this blog. I’m very tickled to see it noticed and I’m touched by the compliments. I am not a habitual maker of music; usually just a passionate listener. The recordings in my videos were made when I was with an ex-partner who is a professional musician. We had a studio at the house and he’s a very talented instrumentalist. I can’t play anything, so since we split I haven’t had access to the goods to make any more recordings. But for me it was never for more than my own satisfaction. I don’t enjoy performing for an audience and never wanted wide attention. I’m a social worker/mental health therapist by trade, and that’s where my passion lies for my life’s work. However, a close friend just bought a fancy synth and we may try some collaboration for fun. If there are any cool results, I’ll add them to my channel 🙂
Thanks for the note, Cat, and for your wonderful cover! I hope to hear more music from you someday!