John Smith (folk musician)

John Smith is an English folk guitarist and singer from Devon.^[1]

He has toured Britain, Europe and America extensively, both solo and with artists such as Iron and Wine, James Yorkston, John Martyn, David Gray,^[2] Jools Holland, Gil Scott-Heron and Lisa Hannigan^[3] (whose records he also plays on). Smith remained unsigned to any record label for several years, but released several self-funded albums. Recent releases have been distributed by Thirty Tigers.

After the death of John Martyn, he appeared on a tribute album to Martyn alongside Bombay Bicycle Club, Paolo Nutini, Snow Patrol, Phil Collins and Beth Orton.^[4][5]

His unique guitar style has influenced many artists including James Newton Chadwick and Ben Howard.^[6] In particular Smith uses a variety of open tunings and percussive techniques (especially on the song "Winter").