I am old enough to remember a time in the 80’s when you could go see up and coming bands for £2 or £3 pounds, the price of 3 or 4 pints of beer. Bands like Def Leppard, Saxon, Iron Maiden who went on to be huge. These were good times, well I can tell you that the good times are still here if you look. I have just paid £15 to see Laura Evans and Ashley Sherlock, the price of only 3 pints of beer. Whilst I am not comparing Laura Evans or Ashley Sherlock to Def Leppard, Saxon or Iron Maiden in musical terms, but in the quality of their song writing and talent they are up there with the greats in my view.
Ashley Sherlock’s 2023 album “Just a Name” was one of my favourites of that year and I am still playing it today. It is a perfect album with no filler tracks. Laura Evans has just released her 2nd album “Out of the Dark” and it is already one of my favourites of 2025. Laura Evans first album “State of MInd” was great, but this is simply outstanding. Produced by Ian Barter who worked with Amy Winehouse as well as countless others. I am sure he knows a great unique voice when he hears one. Laura Evans voice is right up there with the likes of Amy Winehouse and the other great singers.
Well on to the show tonight, it may not have been a sold out show unlike others on the tour, but there was a decent crowd at the Night and Day who were certainly up for a great night. First on was Ashley Sherlock who was no warm up act . Despite him having a short set he truly delivered. Coming on with ‘Down’ a song I had not heard before it was clear that Ashley was on fire tonight. ‘Trouble’ followed which is one of my favourites off the album “Just a Name”.
‘Time’ quickly followed, a great cover of the Pink Floyd classic, done in a way only Ashley could have done. A couple of new songs ‘Would It Be’ and ‘Snakes’ follow. It is clear that the new album is going to be a stonker when it arrives. A funky bass intro from Nic leads into my favourite song from ‘Just a Name’, the epic ‘Dear Elizabeth’. More funky bass from Nic on the groovy ‘Spanish Moon’. ‘Fine’ finishes this short but brilliant set. If you have not seen Ashley Sherlock then you simply must. Great songs, brilliant guitar playing and then there was the scream at the end of Fine, brilliant stuff from a fantastically talented artist.
Laura Evans walked onto the stage with Jake Loosemore playing guitar and into the beautiful interlude that is ‘Out of the Dark’, the title of the new album and Laura is really coming out of the dark. But who is Laura Evans? Is she Country, Blues, Soul or even Pop? Well she is all of them and more. When someone is this special then there is no need for comparisons or genre. For the next hour Laura Evans mesmerised us all, in what could only be described as a breath-taking performance of outstanding talent.
Laura’s voice is so pure with so many outstanding qualities. We got every track bar one of the stunning new album. It so great to see and hear it performed live at close quarters. Listening to the album now just relives this magical moment in time. We also got 8 tracks from Laura’s first album “State of Mind”. ‘Arkansas’ by Chris Stapleton which Laura has really made her own and a great cover of the Beatles song ‘Come Together’ which she recorded for the Dear John collaborations album.
Laura Evans deserves to be huge, she has everything, a breath-taking voice, great catchy songs and a lovely person as well. I am sure she will achieve it, watch out Laura Evans is coming for you. What a fantastic night with 2 amazing performances, I couldn’t believe it when Laura Evans said after the show she was suffering with a chest infection. You certainly couldn’t tell and if that wasn’t her best then tonight’s performance was even more amazing. Following this show Laura Evans postponed her next 3 shows because of this. I am sure Laura was gutted as were the people who had tickets to these shows, but it does give an opportunity for those that didn’t have tickets to get them for the rescheduled shows.
GALLERY
