The beginning of Leslie Evers’ new single features just her voice, beautifully melodic and immediately engaging. It’s a stunning start. Then, her delicate guitar, Joe Newberry’s banjo and Ed Johnson’s subtle harmonies are introduced and the result is captivating. Evers has described this song as an, “…inclusive hymn,” and that’s an apt description – the theme is universal and accessible to all and there is hymn-like emotional quality to her songwriting. The video, edited by Irene Young, initially takes us down less-travelled paths and through gorgeous landscapes before showcases the three musicians at work.
‘Along the Rocky Way’ is from Evers’ recent album, ‘Bound for Land’. Featuring eleven original tracks, her second full-length release blends her musical influences – American songbook, folk and Americana – and demonstrates her ability to craft fine, timeless songs. Along the way, she tackles universal subjects – life, love, family, relationships and forgiveness – with heart and sensitivity. The recording and mixing process was led by GRAMMY-winning engineer Alex Venguer (Sting, John Legend, The Punch Brothers, I’m With Her, Aretha Franklin) while Ed Johnson produced the album as well as supplying guitar on some of the songs. A multi-instrumentalist, Leslie Evers began writing songs in childhood, utilising her skills on the piano and guitar, later followed by studying banjo. She made her full debut in 2014, with the album ‘I Can’t Remember My Dreams’, which included a song that reached number 3 on the Folk DJ chart.
This is absorbing acoustic folk from an artist with an outstanding voice – enjoy.
