John Smith is quietly becoming recognized as one of the most exciting voices on the British Folk scene. He has spent several years solidly on the road, touring with folk legend John Martyn and accompanying Davy Graham on his final UK tour. He has also supported John Renbourn, Martin Carthy, Jools Holland, Martin Simpson, Tunng, and has shared the stage with Cara Dillon, James Yorkston and Gomez's Ben Ottewell.
In November 2008, armed with a laptop and a couple of microphones, John drove around the USA's deep south recording in forests, under bridges, on the bayou and in motels. The results form the basis of his new album, which will be released a little later this year.
John's first record, The Fox and The Monk, is now SOLD OUT but there are copies of the Live At The Roundhouse CD/DVD available from store.cmplive.com
and a few copies of The Bird & The Worm 7" are available here.
"Spellbinding" - Time Out
"Too good to be true" - Rock and Reel
"A guitar genius...He sounds as though he arrived 60 years ago but looks startlingly young, perched on a chair, quietly confident, charming and instantly engaging." - The Sun
"One man, a guitar and an incredible voice...mesmerising" - bbc.co.uk
"He sings melodic, epic narratives that are at once haunting and lively...John Smith breaks the old folk paradigm" - Miami Herald
"He possesses a common name but a rare talent" - The Independent
"The playing style he adopts may cause your jaw to hit the floor…he has all the flair for the gathering storm that made Jeff Buckley so attractive...one hesitates to mention Nick Drake but well, one already has done.” – Word Magazine
"An object lesson in how taste and imagination always outweigh mere musical virtuosity...unexpected and daring" - The Sunday Times
"John Smith continually swoons audiences with his own strain of nu-folk. It is only a matter of time before he is enormous." - NME
You were brilliant at Glastonbury. That was the first time I've seen you play in a long time. I loved it. And it was great to see John Thorne in the audience, such a shame he couldn't do the gig with you. Hopefully I'll make it to a gig soon. B
Register your interest now at www.topoftheox.co.uk to compete in the first UK song contest of it's kind. Win a huge record deal, tour, management, merchandise, perform at a world class venue and become a household name. www.topoftheox.co.uk supported by Marshall, StarNow, SAE, Turan Audio and many more key industry names.
I really like Invisible Boy, John. The beautiful lyrics aside, there's a lot about the chord structure that's so impressive. It sounds warmly familiar and perfect while still seeming completely new and a bit ingenious. Great stuff. I'm looking forward to hearing the new material.
I had almost forgotten just how beautiful your music is.. I am continually astounded.. can't believe u r still unsigned.. how can that be when all these idiots are being "snapped" up by the likes of Simon Cowell... mind u.. who would really want to work with him anyway? Glad to see you're on the Glasto acoustic stage.. a far cry from Music with a View.. but where you belong, most definitely ! Kate xx
Thanks for the add, I am a huge fan of your songs. If you do have a few minutes would really appreciate your opinion on my new material, they are only acoustic demos, but would be great if you did have a listen and let me know what you think.
Please join us for our DEBUT GIG on 12th June at The Cross, Moseley, Birmingham. From 8pm. Only £6 on the door with support from Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys.
Rediscovered you just now as one of my friends, and have been captivated once again. I may just hang out on your page today sunbathing in that voice. Ahhh.
Hey John, was lucky enough to hear you sing with Cara Dillon the other night. Your voice really is something special. Look forward to your album being released. Be great to hear your feedback. All the best, Mariam x
Rhythm Festival 2009
21-23 August
Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Beds, MK41 6AB
The Proclaimers, Alabama 3, Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, The Beat, Terry Reid, Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers, James Hunter, Alvin Youngblood Hart, The Blow Monkeys, Pentangle, The Strawbs, Martin Turner’s Wishbone Ash and LOADS more...
http://www.rhythmfestival.net
