Uploaded by sxsw on Feb 24, 2010
The name may be a common one, but this is definitely no ordinary John Smith The 27-year-old Essex-born songster is an engaging performer. A dazzling and inventive guitarist, with lightning-fast fingerpicking and jaw-dropping, unconventional percussive techniques, he is the possessor of an unforgettable, honeyed, gravelly growl of a voice that belies his age and background. John is, in fact, the son of a preacher. He grew up in Devon listening to Muddy Waters, Ry Cooder and Paul Simon and was given his first guitar at the age of 11. As a teenager, he discovered Pink Moon by Nick Drake and Bert And John by Bert Jansch and John Renbourn and shut himself away in his bedroom, learning every last note By the time he emerged, he was ready to dazzle an unsuspecting public with his guitar skills
127 videosSXSW 2010 Music Videos- 3:45
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zeburnay
gonna0ptin 6 months ago
saw John supporting Lisa Hannigan, twas just class :D He seems to have a great personality as well, had a good aul banter with the audience!
pixipretty808 7 months ago
he is fantastical!
kessuperstara 11 months ago
have u every head of a plectrum ur tosser lmao
a unique fingerpicking style with a plectrum....dumbass
hebrewhunter400 1 year ago
that IS a unique fingerpicking style, he seems to be using something plastic to vibrate the strings
deletedforcontent 1 year ago 2
cheers fella
Folkability 1 year ago
@Folkability Think its DADGAD
John is great live. You'll really enjoy it.
crispy07970 1 year ago
any1 got any ideas of tuning for this song? recently 'found' john smith as he's playin greenman this year and has steadily rose to one of the most anticipated acts for myself! cant wait!
Folkability 1 year ago
I love it when I surf on youtube for new music and suddenly I come across this video - love it! sounds fantastic
Dongabhana 1 year ago 2
I've seen this guy live in Sheffield supporting the legend that was John Martyn. In my opinion he far outshone the big man with his fantastic guitar work. Bought the album immediately after the show and it still isn't old! I can't believe his CD's aren't more common in stores.
stephenTcartwright 1 year ago