Biography

When performing in Rochester, Ind., the proud residents of his home town bill Brent Evans as “Rochester’s Very Own,” even though his musical career has taken him to several cities and towns across the U.S., entertaining thousands along the way. A seasoned entertainer and published songwriter, Brent Evans picked up his first guitar at age 10, and has dedicated his life to creating music on the stage and in the studio, mastering not only the guitar and voice, but keyboards, bass, dobro, mandolin and percussion as well. As a performer, Evans has shared the stage with such renowned acts as the Little River Band, Blood Sweat and Tears, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Vern Gosdin, T.G. Sheppard and Gary Lewis and the Playboys. He’s headlined at Isle of Capri casinos in Philadelphia, Natchez, Miss., and Kansas City, Mo.; the Lodge Casino in Black Hawk Colo.; and the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tn. As a soloist, Evans enjoys the fun and intimacy of interacting with his audience – but you might also want to catch Evans performing with his band Brent Evans and Lost Luggage. As a songwriter, his accolades include 1st place in the A.M.M. songwriting contest of Delaware, 3rd place in Indiana for the Coca-Cola Country Showdown, and in the top seven percent of the Midwest in the Discmakers Song Search for his song, “It’s Only Over for You.” He has recorded four original CDs, including 24 Hour Dream, of which Neil Daughty of R.E.O. Speedwagon said, “I honestly like every song. ‘It’s Only Over for You’ actually gave me chills.” Evans has recently finished his newest (and best yet) CD, Unexpected Angels. No stranger to the recording studio, Evans owns 4th Street Studio in Rochester, where he records and engineers album endeavors, does voiceover work for audio and video projects, and writes and produces jingles for radio and TV. His live performances include not only his original music, but a wide variety of popular favorites as well. By placing his “Musical Menu” of over 160 song titles on tables, he invites listeners to select their favorite tunes and call out requests. So sit back and listen, get up and dance, or sing along – you may even find yourself on stage! However you choose to enjoy it, you can’t help but be a part of the music at a Brent Evans performance. And don’t forget to ask about buying one of his CDs – you’ll want to take his music home! Questions and booking information

Whatz up Magazine Review of Unexpected Angels

Unexpected Angels Brent Evans by D.M. Jones Rochester, Indiana's Brent Evans writes clean, tuneful and satisfying songs that adroitly manage to fill in the gaps between country, country rock and down-to-earth pop. His road-seasoned chops and professionalism are put to good use on this, his latest long player. It doesn't hurt that the songsmith is also the owner of Rochester's 4th Street Studio, where he recorded the disc with production and musical help from Larry DeVincent and an impressive cast of talented players and singers. "Doretta," the album's opener, sets the tone with a driving country-rock beat and clear, upfront vocals from Evans. This song is a fine endorsement for his studio - every instrument is well-placed and crystalline here. The song steps up to a massed chorus vocal, bringing to mind a nice Eagles/Son Volt combination of polished and rootsy. The quality of songwriting and production is consistent throughout the album, but Evans wisely paces the disc with varying tempos and moods, pairing songs such as the alternately brooding and anthemic "Tears Won't Help You Now" with "My Perfect Imperfection," a rollicking ode to a one-of-a-kind gal. The pumping Who-like intro to "If Love Doesn't Know" melts into a Moody Blues vibe, followed by the album's title track and emotional centerpiece. Evans could have overdone the song and steered it into schmaltz, but he masterfully manages to embroider a bed of rustic acoustic guitar and harmonica with lyrics that are uplifting, unvarnished and unabashedly positive. Gears shift again with "Miss Communication," a funny and clever laid back treatise on the whole man/woman dynamic thing that would make Jimmy Buffett proud. Evans also highlights his pliable but earthy vocals on the layered and nuanced "Mystery Girl" and the country slow-dance of "Cheated Myself Out of Love." The disc is a treat to listen to. Each song is tailored with well chosen instrumentation and spot-on vocal harmonies. Evans accomplishes here what most local (or regional, or national) singer-songwriters aspire to: he shapes the music to evoke the emotion every song is trying to convey. An entire album of such quality is an unexpected pleasure.

"The streets are empty as she walks alone, her clothes are dry but she's soaked to the bone, With oceans of memories that still remain, She keeps, running from the rain". (Running from the rain)

Whatz up Magazine/ Fort Wayne Indiana

Rochester Indiana's Brent Evans, probably doesn't want to be known as a country musician. His music is definitely contemporary pop, but it's got the right feel. Lots of acoustic guitar solid accessible vocals to make it right at home among the latest in contemporary country. That being said, you will probably think I'm crazy when you hear the 1st track on 24 Hour Dream. "These daze" is a sax filled (courtesy of Tom Slagle) fancy R & B number that is about as far from country as you can get. Get a little deeper into the album though, and I think you will see what I mean. The relatively quiet (and more than a little sad) "Anymore" is a pop ballad that showcases not only the strong voice of Evans himself, but also the captivating background vocals of Janel Frushour. "Somewhere in Montana" makes the country connection complete with its visions of cowboys under a big sky, and it too features Frushour (who I would like to hear more of). Ironically, one of the more overtly country songs on the album is one of the least successful. Although "Run Horses Run" manages a hint of dark atmosphere (slightly reminiscent of Garth Brooks' "the Thunder Rolls"). It goes overboard it its ambiance and ends up being melodramatic. There's plenty that is successful on 24 Hour Dream though. The sentimental "Holding on as were letting go" is as good as almost anything coming out of Nashville these days. I'm not sure exactly where Evans would like to position his music, but there's no doubt that many a one hit wonder on country radio would be happy to have a voice as appealing as his. Add Evans' songwriting competency into the mix and you just might have the formula for music that could go somewhere. (EG)


"Now that cash is the king, you don't have to sing, they only put what they want in the stores. As our idols disappear, are you left with the fear that the music doesn't matter anymore?" (The music doesn't mater anymore)