Number of posts : 2266 Location : Ireland Registration date : 2008-04-09
Subject: John Smith Tue 07 Dec 2010, 20:24
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Hey Folks I am just back from my annual trip to Dingle, Co. Kerry, on the west coast of Ireland, where every year, in the first week of December a series of performances take place, in a tiny church (80 seats only!) and which are broadcast early the following year as "The Other Voices". These gigs (and the tv program) have at this stage gained a huge cult following both with the general public and amongst musicians (who play for free!) and have over the past 9 years seen some amazing acts play in this small little church. Our own Elboys have done it twice, Snow Patrol did it last year, as did Jesca Hoop and The Temper Trap. We also had The National, Ellie Goulding, Kathy Davy, Everything Everything and Richard Hawley did his third year in a row this year! The program is all about the music and it's a great showcase for performers as they like to mix some of the more mainstream acts with lesser known ones and here is where John Smith comes in. He was due on after The National (who played a blinder) and the poor guy admitted that they were a hard act to follow. He needn't have worried. From the first note he played we were all absolutely enthralled. He has the most beautiful husky voice and the lyrics were astounding. I am not normally into the kind of folk-y vibe but there was so much passion and emotion in his performance, it was impossible not to be touched by it. He played about 4 songs, each more beautiful than the next. We listened in awe. Was it really possible that this quiet, unassuming man was stealing The National's thunder? When he finished up, the whole "congregation" just sat there in stunned silence before absolutely erupting. Kathy Davy and Ellie Goulding were up next but many people I spoke to after the gig reckoned John Smith was the (surprise) star of the night. I spoke to him very briefly after, basically to congratulate him on his performance and to ask him if he had an album out. He said yes, a couple, and when I asked him if they were widely available, or where I could get them, he actually thanked me for being interested! Sorry, for rambling on a bit here, but I think I'm in love... Anyway, I will let the man's music do the talking:
Jones we're away
Number of posts : 2266 Location : Ireland Registration date : 2008-04-09
Subject: Re: John Smith Tue 07 Dec 2010, 20:29
Here's a link to the Other Voices website, where you can read the blog and see past performances. When John's performance is broadcast in February, I will post that here too. You should really check him out!
Number of posts : 1101 Age : 40 Location : On the other side of the world! Registration date : 2008-09-08
Subject: Re: John Smith Wed 08 Dec 2010, 18:14
Wow... what he does with the guitar just blew me away... Like his voice, too... Although I have a thing for such voices.
Thanks for posting!
TamedLamia tower crane driver
Number of posts : 857 Age : 55 Location : Berlin, Germany Registration date : 2008-04-01
Subject: Re: John Smith Thu 09 Dec 2010, 08:08
A everyday's name but not a everyday's musician! Not easy to google that chap, because there's even another singer-songwriter named like that, but this he is http://www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com/#/News Great voice and interesting way to play the guitar, might be slightly inspired by Jeff Healey
Jones we're away
Number of posts : 2266 Location : Ireland Registration date : 2008-04-09
Subject: Re: John Smith Thu 09 Dec 2010, 20:37
Thanks for posting the link to his website TL! I hadn't even thought of looking for it! I'll be keeping an eye on it!
Glendarian tower crane driver
Number of posts : 727 Age : 60 Location : Wales Registration date : 2008-04-11
Subject: Re: John Smith Tue 14 Dec 2010, 07:24
Saw him a few months ago, I agree, he's wonderful - I bought his Map or Directoin album on the spot. Amazing.
Jones we're away
Number of posts : 2266 Location : Ireland Registration date : 2008-04-09
Subject: Re: John Smith Tue 14 Dec 2010, 15:43
Glendarian wrote:
Saw him a few months ago, I agree, he's wonderful - I bought his Map or Directoin album on the spot. Amazing.
Yay! I knew I'd find a kindred spirit somewhere! I guess I shouldn't be surprised it's here on this forum! We are so cool!