In Conversation with Ned Evett.

When you think of groundbreaking musicians, Ned Evett is a name that stands tall. The Nashville-born, Los Angeles-based guitarist is celebrated for his fretless glass guitar mastery and fearless creativity. This December, South Africa will witness his innovative artistry for the first time as he embarks on a highly anticipated tour.

For Evett, this tour is more than just another stop on his global journey. “I saw Johnny Clegg open for Robert Palmer in the USA as a kid,” he shares, “and it inspired me to one day come to South Africa.” That childhood dream has now materialized, and he’s excited to share his music with audiences across the country.

One of the highlights of Evett’s performances is his iconic glass fretless guitar, a true marvel of craftsmanship. “I smashed a guitar on stage and built my fretless guitar using the parts,” he explains. “It has a very glassy, clear tone, and the technique is like playing slide guitar with your fingertips.” This unique instrument allows him to create sounds unlike anything you’ve heard before, offering fans an unforgettable auditory experience.

Evett’s latest album, Strange Kind of Freedom, is a testament to his unmatched skills and emotional depth. “It’s a very happy-sounding album with a dark halo on songs like Message to You and Strange Kind of Freedom,’” he says. “I want people to cheer, sing along, and feel all kinds of emotion.” With drummer Shane Gaalaas and Grammy-winning bassist Pete Griffin completing his powerhouse rhythm section, the album delivers intricate melodies and raw energy in equal measure.

Over the years, Evett has collaborated with legends like Joe Satriani and John Fogerty, experiences that have profoundly influenced his music. “They both taught me the value of writing great songs,” he reflects. “Joe is as expressive as any singer and an amazing songwriter. We even wrote an entire album together that we hope to release someday.”

In Johannesburg, Evett will team up with a South African backing band, an exciting collaboration orchestrated by his friend and drummer Roy Schoombie. “Roy put the band together with players from his rock jam sessions in Johannesburg,” Evett shares. “Fans can expect to hear my new album alongside some truly hot jams!”

Beyond the music, Evett is passionate about connecting with his audience on a deeper level. “When people up close to the stage look at my glass guitars, they see themselves reflected in the fingerboard,” he says. “I try to remember that, and that each show is for them, not for me.”

His connection to South Africa’s musical landscape runs deep, inspired by Adrian Belew’s stories about Graceland and performances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. “Adrian has a song called Peaceable Kingdom, inspired by his work on Graceland, and it’s of the highest caliber,” he says. “These experiences made me aware of the stunning talent of South African musicians, and I’ve always wanted to experience it firsthand.”

As a musician constantly pushing boundaries, Evett sees experimentation as integral to his artistry. “Music can’t help but evolve, and that drives me to be a part of the evolutionary energy connected to every human on earth,” he says.

This December, Ned Evett will bring his revolutionary sound to South Africa. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, his performances promise to be a celebration of creativity, connection, and the universal power of music. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness a true visionary at work.

Tour Dates:
Fri 29 Nov – Jozi’s Showbar, Boundary Park
Tue 3 Dec – The Irish Rock, Radiokop
Wed 4 Dec – Music Inc. Rivonia Recreation Centre
Thu 5 Dec – Milk Bar, Parkmore
Fri 6 Dec – Café Barcelona, Pretoria
Sat 7 Dec – Lock, Stock & Beer, Weltevreden Park
Tue 10 Dec – The Irish Rock, Radiokop
Wed 11 Dec – Workshop TBA
Fri 13 Dec – Copperlake Breweries, Randburg
Wed 18 Dec – Taste of Africa at Sunday River Lodge, Port Elizabeth
Sat 21 Dec – Alma Cafe, Cape Town