(Rock Ridge) Evanscapps, the side project of Ean Evans (bassist for Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Bobby Capps (keyboardist for .38 Special), is set to release its album, "Last Time," on May 12th via Rock Ridge Music. The album features eleven songs of "Southern alternative metal," as Evans has dubbed their sound. Capps provides the lead vocals with Evans on guitar on an album that allows each artist to showcase their talents in a harder rock vein than either plays in their other bands.
Says Rock Ridge Music CEO Tom Derr: "'Last Time' is a record I enjoyed the first time I heard it, and I jumped at the chance to work with Ean and Bobby on its release. Here are two guys who I consider synonymous with rock, hard work, and great songs."
As has already been reported, Evans is currently battling cancer and was diagnosed in late 2008. After receiving conventional medical treatments, he is now working with doctors on some alternative medical options in order to try something different. Evans and his family remain hopeful that his fight will be successful.
Says Evans: "A lot of time, energy, and the love of many friends went into this album. The music is new with a heavy edge and a deep meaning. It has been in our hearts for a long time and finally we can share it with the world. This journey has been a roller coaster, but the timing of everything is perfect. My hope is that everyone who hears this album will be moved to change something that is wrong into something that is right for the sake of all mankind. My illness has slowed me down, but performing is what I love to do and I will be back on stage again."
"The main goal for Ean and me has always been to get this record out there," says Capps. "Unfortunately, we have a bigger battle to fight with Ean's cancer now but we can find some comfort in the fact that at last this record can be heard. I finally had the opportunity to play these songs live at a benefit concert for Ean last week, and it was very gratifying. Hopefully soon he'll be back on stage with me."
The benefit concert Capps mentions, The Mississippi Kid Festival, took place on Sunday, April 19th in Columbus, Mississippi, with many from the world of music embracing the opportunity to perform and help raise money to benefit Evans and his family. Included on the roster for the show were members of .38 Special, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bo Bice, Blackberry Smoke, members of Marshall Tucker Band, Crossin Dixon, members of 3 Doors Down, members of Molly Hatchet, the Dirt Brothers, and others. Thousands of fans showed their support for Evans through rain and mud at the outdoor event.
The duo of Evans and Capps met when .38 Special opened for Lynryd Skynyrd on tour in 2003. Within several months of meeting, the two were already hard at work on the music that would become the basis for "Last Time." The album was originally released via digital download in 2006, but the forthcoming release will include four new tracks and remixing and rerecording on the existing tracks. Joining Capps and Evans in the recording studio were: session drummer Greg Morrow; Todd Harrell (3 Doors Down) and Todde Lawton (Toby Mac), (both contributed some bass parts); Rickey Medlocke (Lynryd Skynyrd, Blackfoot) (who was involved on the guitar front). Some additional friends helped out as well: John Simpson (keyboards), Hoyt Allen (background vocals), Tim Cabe (guitar), and Gordon Mote (organ/strings).
The album will be available f.y.e. For your entertainment stores nationwide and at fye.com, as well as via online music download portals.
"Last Time" Track Listing:
1) Hell If I Know
2) Dead Is Rising
3) Innocence
4) Follow The Morning Sun
5) For Something Or For Nothing
6) Stand Or Fall
7) Why
8) Walk
9) Mississippi
10) Anything Goes
11) Hole In My Head
http://www.myspace.com/evanscapps