There is a thin line between blues and soul.  However, rarely do you hear a blues singer perform soul or a soul singer perform blues.  While Etta James is slotted as blues diva, in reality she is a soul singer who can belt out a blues tune with the best of them. And even though Ray Charles was a soul singer, he was well versed in the blues. 

Terry Evans is another rare gem who can transition from blues to soul without breaking a sweat. With a voice that rivals the late-great Otis Redding, his delivery is sincere and sweet, yet forceful.

While Evans may not be a household name, the singer/songwriter/guitarist has been a force in music for well over 30 years. Long before he released his first solo recording, he was featured on discs by Joan Armatrading, John Lee Hooker, Boz Scaggs, Maria Muldaur and most notably his collaborations with Ry Cooder, who has appeared on all but one of Evans’ records. 

On Evans’ first recording, Blues for Thought, his vocals crooned through blues classics and tasty originals.  On his latest, 2005’s Fire in the Feeling, he revels in Southern gospel-laced R&B with a rockin’ edge. — Tony Engelhart



[The Spar, 7 p.m., no cover, 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma, 253.627.8215]