John Smith

New album for our times from acclaimed songwriter.

‘The Fray’ is Smith’s sixth studio album, and his vulnerability throughout is offered to his listeners, unadorned. “It’s been a hell of a year, but I feel I’ve created my most honest work as a result, and as a necessity. A lot of these songs are about accepting that life is hard, but just holding on and trying to enjoy it anyway.”

Smith co-produced ‘The Fray’ with long-time friend and producer Sam Lakeman. The album is a true reflection of the times, with American collaborators Sarah Jarosz, Courtney Hartman, The Milk Carton Kids and Bill Frisell recording remotely and sending contributions over international borders. John’s frequent touring partner Lisa Hannigan contributed via a virtual studio session in Dublin.

Smith co-wrote a couple of songs for the album whilst on tour before the pandemic. The Americana influence is a red thread throughout the album that beautifully complements Smith’s unmistakable British Folk roots. With 10 weeks in the US Americana top 50 charts, backed up with over 2million streams in the first two months of release alone, ‘The Fray’ is set to become John’s most successful and critically acclaimed album.

Known for his intimate songwriting, his honey-on-gravel voice and pioneering guitar playing, he has spent the last fifteen years touring internationally and has amassed over 55 million streams on Spotify. As a session musician, he has played guitar with artists as diverse as Joan Baez, David Gray, Joe Henry, Lianne La Havas and Tom Jones.

‘Smith’s voice is a rare and deeply soulful combination of granite and velvet’ – THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘Aching, doggedly optimistic and gently spangled with hooks’ – MOJO

‘An album of searing honesty and lithe beauty whose songs amplify the emotions and experiences of so many of us this year—the reassessed relationships, the self-reflection, and the ultimate search for hope.’ – THE BLUEGRASS SITUATION

To listen before you book, go to https://youtu.be/gSaLKF7f0nE