John Smith at The Glee Birmingham

John Smith has built a reputation as one of the UK’s finest guitarists and songwriters, releasing five albums with over 10 million Spotify streams.  He is a genuine folksinger, an inquisitive truth-seeker, devoted song interpreter, and enchanting writer.

Steeped in the lineage of British folk, taking his cue from Richard Thompson and John Martyn, Smith has evolved a transatlantic blend of fingerstyle and slide guitar techniques. John’s intimate takes on love, loss and the journey we make, combined with his innovative guitar work, have won him a loyal following.  His honey-on-gravel voice and mesmerizing fingerstyle guitar are undeniable.

A contributor and collaborator, John has opened for folk greats including John Martyn, Davy Graham and John Renbourn, who called John Smith “the future of folk music.”  He has also opened for Iron and Wine, Tinariwen, and Ben Howard.  He has guested with Jackson Browne, Martin Carthy, Richard Hawley, Jarvis Cocker, Jerry Douglas, Glen Hansard and Rodney Crowell; and in his occasional role as sideman, he has played guitar for David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, Lianne La Havas, Joe Henry and Joan Baez.

John’s inspiration for making “Hummingbird” was deeply personal.  An album he has long wished to make, it reflects the sum of his influences – be they centuries, decades, years, or days old. In the course of 10 songs, John explores timeless themes of longing, love, loss, horror, tragedy, grief, resilience, desire, devotion, heroism, romance, dignity, and ultimate triumph. Produced by Sam Lakeman, “Hummingbird” features Cara Dillon, John McCusker and Ben Nicholls.