John Smith is told almost every day that he has the most common name in the world. However, other than the name, there is nothing commonplace about him. John has played to audiences all over the world, in living rooms, festival tents and sold-out concert halls. He tours relentlessly with a guitar and a suitcase, sometimes with a small band, always looking to communicate through a song and to share something intangible with those willing to listen.

John first made his name on the folk circuit, opening for folk greats John Martyn, Davy Graham and John Renbourn; but has since opened shows for Iron and Wine, Tinariwen, Gil Scott-Heron and Ben Howard.

He has guested with artists such as 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 artists such as David Gray, Lisa Hannigan, Lianne La Havas, Joe Henry and Joan Baez.

John currently has five self-released records out; 'The Fox and the Monk' (2006), 'Map Or Direction' (2009), 'Eavesdropping' (2011) 'Great Lakes' (2013), and 'Headlong' (2017).