Steve Louw Records New Nashville Album With Bob Dylan Touring Musicians

South African Rock Icon Steve Louw Records New Nashville Album With Bob Dylan Touring Musicians
Traces of the Flood Produced by Legendary Producer Kevin Shirley

South African rock legend Steve Louw has released his powerful new album Traces of the Flood, a deeply personal and cinematic collection recorded in Nashville alongside an extraordinary lineup of internationally acclaimed musicians — including two members of Bob Dylan’s touring band.

Produced by globally respected producer Kevin Shirley — known for his work with Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart and Iron Maiden — the album marks another major international milestone for the Knysna-based songwriter and South African Rock Hall of Fame inductee.

Recorded in Nashville, Traces of the Flood features celebrated musicians including Bob Dylan touring guitarists Bob Britt and Doug Lancio, alongside Grammy-recognised keyboard player Kevin McKendree, drummer Greg Morrow, bassist Alison Prestwood, vocalist Etta Britt, and a host of leading Americana and blues musicians.

Bob Britt and Doug Lancio both play guitar and are widely respected for their work with Bob Dylan’s live touring band and recordings.

The album continues Louw’s long creative partnership with Kevin Shirley, dating back to the iconic South African band Big Sky and stretching over decades of acclaimed recordings.

A South African Story With Global Reach

While rooted in the landscapes and emotional textures of South Africa, Traces of the Flood carries the expansive sound and musicianship of Nashville’s world-class recording scene.

The title track takes listeners on a journey through the Karoo landscape — filled with rivers, dust roads, renegades, memories and redemption — reflecting Louw’s signature blend of rock, Americana, blues and poetic storytelling.

Speaking about the album, Louw says:

“If you’re writing for yourself, you’re not thinking in terms of production or trying to convince people. It sharpens my work ethic.”

Kevin Shirley assembled a band of elite musicians around Louw’s songwriting, helping create what critics are already calling one of the strongest albums of his career.

Critics Praise Traces of the Flood

International music media have responded enthusiastically to the release.

“Steve Louw is a first-class songwriter who writes with depth and emotion. I can’t recommend this album highly enough.” — Steve Yourglivch, Blues Matters

“An album with a solid and strong rock vibe throughout.” — John Whiting, R’N’R Magazine

“Heartfelt Americana featuring gorgeous country licks and a catchy harmonised vocal coda.” — Simon Green, Blues in Britain

Another Blues Matters review praised the album’s musicianship and emotional depth, noting the contribution of Dylan touring musicians Bob Britt and Doug Lancio, while describing the album as “powerful”, “personal” and “uplifting”.

An Enduring South African Music Legacy

Steve Louw has been a major figure in South African music since the 1980s through bands including All Night Radio and Big Sky. Big Sky’s Waiting for the Dawn became part of the soundtrack to South Africa’s democratic transition and remains regarded as a local rock classic.

Louw also gained international recognition through collaborations with Brian May and Dave Stewart on the 46664 AIDS awareness project inspired by Nelson Mandela.

With Traces of the Flood, Louw once again demonstrates why he remains one of South Africa’s most respected and enduring songwriters — now backed by some of Nashville’s finest musicians and world-class production.

Traces of the Flood is available now on CD, vinyl and digital platforms.