Photo: Laura Evans, band, Chris Buck, Arkansas
Welsh singer-songwriter Laura Evans releases her new cover of “Arkansas” (Chris Stapleton) featuring acclaimed guitarist Chris Buck, recorded live at Acapela Studios.
Laura’s live shows feature her cover of “Arkansas”and it’s a big highlight in her set. There was a demand from her fans that she record it live and finally release it. It’s quite a feat for a female vocalist to take on the iconic Chris Stapleton, but there is no doubt that with Laura’s effortless but powerful country/blues tune, she delivers the perfect vocal, putting her own stamp on this song. Couple that with her full band which comprises of Joe Coombs (guitar) Daisy Pepper (Bass) Jamie Dawson (drums) and her welsh buddy and one of the UK’s finest guitarists Chris Buck – and you have the perfect combination of Bluesy, Country, Rock and Roll.
Evans’ take on “Arkansas” is an ideal fusion of rock, country, and roots music sounds driven by her mighty vocals and one heck of a band. Guitarist Chris Buck rips and shines, as does the whole group. Hearing Evans go after this song with everything she’s got is uplifting and worthy of celebration. Knowing that this is done 100% live just makes the cake taste sweeter. You’d best get to listening to this one.
“Arkansas”
Laura had a standout year in 2022 with the release of her critically acclaimed debut album ‘State of Mind’ which topped the iTunes Blues chart at number 1, made her the face of the ‘Nu Blue’ editorial playlist on Spotify, landed on Apple Music’s “Todays Country” playlist received praise from blues legend Joe Bonamassa, as well as continued support on the BBC Welsh A List and Planet Rock and rave reviews by music press all over the country. The album has now racked up nearly 1 million streams on Spotify.
Talking about the how the recording of the live cover came together Laura said “It was an idea I had a few years ago to make a big rocking Chris Stapleton country song more bluesy with the broken-down intro and really put my own stamp on it. When I first played this version live, it was a real crowd pleaser and so it’s a been a staple part of my set in my live shows ever since. When I had the opportunity to record it live with my full band and my mate Chris Buck, it was a no brainer. We all got together at Acapela studios in South Wales and treated it like a live show. It’s such a fun song to play, we didn’t over think it, we pressed record and we ended up using the first take – it wasn’t perfect but it captured the magic”
Laura had a very busy touring schedule last year she toured as special guest with Californian southern rock band ‘Robert Jon & The Wreck’ on their sell out UK Tour in April, as well opening for Welsh rock band Cardinal Black on their UK tour in September and then Canadian Blues artist Matt Andersen on his UK sell-out in October. Laura is now gearing up for her own headline full band, five-date tour this February 2023.
Laura will kick off in – Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on February 21st
Gullivers Manchester 23rd Feb, The Cluny 2, 24th Feb, The Greystones in Sheffield 25th Feb and The Grace, London 26th Feb.
For more info on Laura Evans visit the website HERE
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