Hello Chris,
I was away (tasting wines with other people). Otherwise i would have reacted earlier.
Indeed she is not Cesaria, who was unique, so don't worry. But you know...like a critic said its not bad to have a second (wrote this when Ms Evora was still alive) artist with nearly the same sort of music.
About Mark Knopfler, i searched not so long ago and stumbled upon bluesartist Steve Phillips who is connected with Knopfler, who supports him in all sorts of way. "Been a long time gone" and another CD i bought (have to search him, can't find it right now. "Evening Star" is a great number. I think you can listen to it on myspace.
Very warm weather this week in the Netherlands, so yes summer '12 isn't as bad as it first seemed to be (over here)
Bye.