“Steve Louw is a first-class songwriter who writes with depth and emotion.
– Blues Matters
I can’t recommend his album Traces of the Flood highly enough.”
Following the international success of his celebrated fourth solo studio album Traces of the Flood (released 15 May 2026 via BFD/The Orchard), South African singer-songwriter Steve Louw returns with a passionate new live recording of the album’s second single, “Across the River (Live in Nashville)”.
“Across The River (Live in Nashville)” is available on all streaming platforms
Watch the official video of “Across The River (Live in Nashville)” on YouTube.
Since its release, Traces of the Flood has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim from music publications across the UK and US.
Among its many accolades, Classic Rock Magazine awarded the album 8/10, describing it as “one of Louw’s finest albums.”
Other international reviewers have celebrated the album’s evocative songwriting, rich musicianship and signature blend of folk, roots, country rock, blues and Americana.
The UK’s leading guitar magazine, Guitarist, had this to say about Steve – “There’s an honesty to Steve Louw’s music that hits listener’s straight in the heart. On his latest album Traces of the Flood, he mixes elements of folk, country and classic rock using tones that will have just about any fan of guitar music grinning from ear to ear,”
Originally described as a song that encapsulates imagery both intimate and wide open, a narrative that keeps you along for the ride, “Across the River” takes on an entirely new dimension in this live recording, a full-band anthem, where the song captures the emotional breadth that has become a hallmark of Louw’s songwriting.
“It is a song of longing… for release, for freedom, for love and for peace,” Louw shares.
The live performance of “Across the River” becomes far more than a song; it’s an exhilarating cry of joy, transcendence, and redemption, that invites the promise of freedom that lies beyond the river.
“Across the River” is an introspective song which works as a solo acoustic performance or as with this live recording; a full tilt, no holds barred high octane rocking band treatment.
Recorded live at The Analog Room in Nashville on 13th December 2025, the venue is renowned for hosting live sessions by artists including The Black Crowes and Dave Stewart.
The performance took place during Producer Kevin Shirley’s “Caveman’s Xmas Bash” in 2025, a celebrated event featuring some of Nashville’s finest musicians, including Alyssa Bonagura, Joanne Shaw Taylor and Randy Bachman, amongst others.
The live recording captures Steve Louw and his band at their peak, delivering a performance brimming with energy, passion and musical chemistry.
Joining Louw Bob Dylan’s guitarists Bob Britt and Doug Lancio, Kevin McKendree (piano), Alison Prestwood (bass), legendary drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young & the Bluenotes) and iconic keyboardist Reese Wynans (Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Bonamassa), whose contributions elevate the performance into an unforgettable live experience.
Driven by gritty guitars, powerful rhythms and an undeniable sense of emotional release, this version of “Across the River” showcases why Steve Louw continues to earn recognition as one of South Africa’s most accomplished songwriters.
Experience Steve Louw live. Experience “Across the River.”
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