Home » Steve Louw Releases Live Recording of “Across the River” – SA Press Release

Steve Louw Releases Live Recording of “Across the River” – SA Press Release

South African singer-songwriter Steve Louw releases a powerful live recording of "Across the River," marking the success of his acclaimed album, Traces of the Flood, celebrated for its evocative songwriting and rich musicianship.

Following the international success of his celebrated 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”.

Since its release, Traces of the Flood has enjoyed widespread critical acclaim from music publications across the United Kingdom and the United States. 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 compelling blend of rock, Americana and blues.

Originally described as a song featuring “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.

In this electrifying live performance, “Across the River” becomes far more than a song; it is an exhilarating cry of joy, transcendence, and redemption, carrying both the band and the audience towards the promise of freedom that lies beyond the river.

Recorded live at The Analog Room in Nashville – 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, Jo Anne Shaw Taylor and Randy Bachman, among others.

The recording captures Steve Louw and his band at their peak, delivering a performance brimming with energy, passion and musical chemistry. Joining Louw’s regular band were legendary drummer Chad Cromwell (Neil Young & the Bluenotes) and acclaimed 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.”

“Across The River” (Live in Nashville, December 2025) and the accompanying live performance video released worldwide on 19 August 2026 across all major streaming platforms.

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