With already quite a few people queuing when the doors open they are ready to try and get the best spot to enjoy tonight’s show. I’m new to both acts, but while having a chat with other photographers in the pit, they are sure that I’m in for an incredible time. And I can understand why and agree with that!
Lights are down and we see a shadow appearing on stage, it is talented British guitarist Joe Coombs, who will accompany Laura Evans for the evening. And there she is, a petite and graceful figure emerging from the side stage. Welsh country/blues singer/songwriter Laura Evans reminds us that she is here to warm us up and take us along for the ride. Evans’ voice has both stunning clarity and warmth to it, topped with Coomb’s acoustic guitar giving us that intimate atmosphere that results in a cosy “at home” feeling.
During the performance, Evans tells us stories of when she grew up in the green hills of Wales and has always been in love with country music. This leads to her cover of “Arkansas” by Chris Stapleton which she performs exquisitely.
She has such positive energy, often to be found smiling through her set and jamming to each song. What a top-class live vocalist and performer! Unfortunately, it’s now time for her last song, “I’m Alright”, where she asks the audience to join her during the chorus which states “I’m alright, I’m alright, I’m alright”. It’s impossible not to sing along and move your feet on the ground.
Laura Evans has a few more dates across the UK during May, before returning to The Grace in London in October. Tickets can be found here.
Time for quick instruments to change and Robert Jon & The Wreck appear on stage, but ask the sound engineer to keep the music on for a little longer as they want to accord the instruments directly on stage. After a few minutes, they are ready to take us all to South Carolina.
Robert Jon & The Wreck are a double shot of southern rock and blues and is one of the best live bands coming from Southern California in the past few years. Since they first got together in 2011, they have been electrifying audiences all over the world with their roaring guitar leads, grove and rich vocal harmonies and within the first six months, they managed to embark on a national tour, as well as released their first album “Fire Started”.
Today they pack venues and sold-out shows with extraordinary performances that let their raw talent emerge. Their latest album, “Shine a Light on Me Brother”, was released in September 2021 and was highly acclaimed.
During the whole set, lead vocals and guitarist Robert Jon Burrison’s roaring voice echoes all around the room and together with the incredible string action from extraordinary guitarist Henry James result in a fiery mix.
Catchy lyrics, great vocal harmonies and a thunderous backbeat are some of the things that make RJTW worth a watch as they are even better than on the album.
Robert Jon & The Wreck have more dates around Europe till July, and you can find tickets here.
Photos by Selena Ferro
