Born in Essex, raised by the Devon seaside, and making his bones in the bars and clubs of Liverpool, John has released six studio albums with over 100 million Spotify streams. He has played to audiences all over the world in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls, barely pausing for breath during his eighteen years as a full-time independent touring musician.
Steeped in the lineage of British folk and American guitar music, taking his cue from Richard Thompson, John Martyn and Ry Cooder, Smith has evolved a transatlantic blend of fingerstyle and slide guitar techniques. His deeply romantic and vivid songwriting, combined with his innovative guitar work, have won him a loyal following. His honey-on-gravel voice and mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar are undeniable. Sometimes using a slide, sometimes with guitar on his lap, sometimes detuning mid-song or pulling subtle expressions out of an array of effect pedals, Smith’s obsession with the instrument has made a master of him. Whether by way of an album or a live show, he always leads the listener on a viscerally emotional journey.
His career began opening for folk greats including John Martyn, Davy Graham and John Renbourn, who called him “the future of folk music.” He has since opened for Iron and Wine, Patty Griffin and Ben Howard, and guested with artists such as Jackson Browne, Martin Carthy, Roseanne Cash, Gomez, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Jerry Douglas, Glen Hansard and Rodney Crowell. In his occasional role as sideman, he has played guitar for artists as diverse as David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, Lianne La Havas, Joe Henry and Joan Baez.
He has released six records of his own songs. 'Headlong' (2017) reached #15 in the Indie Breakers chart, #1 on iTunes’ Singer-Songwriter chart, and his catalogue has amassed over 100 million Spotify streams. There is also a variety of live albums, instrumental EPs and cover records out there, which John often makes available directly to his loyal following of die-hard music fans.
His latest album “The Fray” was released worldwide in March 2021 on his own imprint, Commoner Records, via Thirty Tigers.
Find tickets with See Tickets: | Search now |
Find tickets with Skiddle: | Search now |
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Edinburgh, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Edinburgh? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Pet Shop Boys, Actually, a Pet Shop Boys tribute band made for the fans by the fans, will perform at The Caves, Edinburgh on Sunday 23rd March!
READ MOREDeborah Bonham, one of the finest UK Blues, Rock and Soul singers, and her band play The Caves on 3rd April with support from the Andy Taylor Group!
READ MOREThe Supernaturals, a five piece guitar-based indie rock band from Glasgow, will play The Caves Edinburgh on Sunday 13th April!
READ MOREHighly acclaimed American songwriter Joan As Police Woman returns to Edinburgh for a show at The Caves on Thursday 24th April!
READ MOREJake Xerxes Fussell is on a UK and Ireland tour in 2025 with a date at The Caves Edinburgh on Sunday 07 September!
READ MOREAynsley Lister, billed as one of the most exciting contemporary Blues guitarists around today, returns to The Caves Edinburgh for his annual sell out December gig on the 14th!
READ MOREAll welcome to the Scots Music Group fabulous monthly fundraising ceilidhs at the St Brides Centre! Come on your own, with friends or in a group.
READ MOREBrought to you by City Music Promotions, treat yourself and your loved ones to an exceptional evening piano recital at the beautiful venue of St Giles' Cathedral.
READ MOREEnjoy an outstanding candlelit evening of classical music in the beautiful setting of St Giles' Cathedral.
READ MORESet in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Giles' Cathedral, enjoy a night with the exceptional musicians of the Piccadilly Sinfonietta and some of the UK's leading opera singers!
READ MOREWe’re famous for the Ceilidhs in our stunning Auditorium at the Ghillie Dhu, so come along a make it a night to remember!
READ MORECome bring all your friends and sing all night to all your favourite rockaoke classics on Mondays at Legends!
READ MORECome get your weekly dose of RIFFS at Legents Edinburgh every Tuesday!
READ MOREGet your tickets now to discover the music of ABBA at St Marys Episcopal Cathedral Edinburgh under the gentle glow of candlelight!
READ MOREEnjoy Vivaldi's timeless classic, The Four Seasons, and other magnificent works by Candlelight at St Giles' Cathedral, performed by The Piccadilly Sinfonietta!
READ MORE