John Smith At TPS For A Board Build, Guitar Chat & Jaw-Dropping Performances - That Pedal Show

[@eddlabel]

Dan's and Mick's silly faces staring at John's guitar in the very beginning of the video are just mirrors reflecting our faces from this side of KZbin. Beautiful playing man. 👏

[@thejohnsmith]

Thanks man!

[@richardgardner2087]

@@thejohnsmith Magical playing as ever! I remember seeing you for the first time supporting John Martyn (RIP) at the Sage Gateshead and was blown away. Then a few years later crossing paths at the Stone Circles at Glasto with my old friend Jess. I'd love to see you back at TPS for a more in depth look at your musical history, guitars, playing and pedals/set-up. I wish TPS would do more acoustic based stuff with top notch players such as yourself. There are so many players out there who would love to see that, myself included. Your set-up and tone obviously goes way beyond the initial goal of most amplified acoustic players (ie: make it sound like an acoustic guitar, but louder). But your tone is wonderfully tasteful, and like you say, is purely in service to the song. I'd also love to see you play alongside someone like Anaïs Mitchell. Her work with Jefferson Hamer on The Child Ballads and her current project with Bonny Light Horseman feels like it would intersect perfectly with your own- Like an updated version of the Transatlantic Sessions!

[@samuelxavier2473]

Good grief, lads. John Smith is a million miles away from my usual stuff but that was awesome. More of this guy, please.

[@stpirate89]

My thoughts exactly, I'm glad they opened with the slide otherwise I might not have stuck around.

[@williamsmothers8830]

Gotta get some of his records - his sound is outside of the bounds of time. Did I hear John correctly when he said that sound hole pickup is a '60s DeArmond single coil? What a tone! Almost forgot - I was walking down the street on vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA this week when a guy going the other way said, "I love your T-shirt!". I absently thanked him, then looked down and realized I was wearing one of my TPS shirts!. I spun around and asked, "You know this show?", to which he replied "I watch it all the time!". As we drew apart, I hollered "Do you play?", and he yelled back, with a smile, "YES, I DO!". I shot him a thumbs up and smiled the rest of the morning, knowing that TPS had helped me connect with a stranger, thereby making the world a safer, more loving place, furthering world peace exponentially. I can't talk now, too emotional....

[@djillogika]

I find a lot of acoustic players obnoxious and gratuitously flashy - slap here, zing here, bonk there. John is a breath of fresh air - he plays with such restraint and understated beauty. BRAVO!!

[@fdfsdfsvsfgsg4888]

Love it. "Slap, Zing & Bonk" could be a modern acoustic guitar trio. It would be absolutely unlistenable.

[@KukoFingerstyle]

Kirk Fletcher, Joey Landreth, Matt Schofield, Josh Smith, Chris Buck, Ariel Posen and now John Smith. I know these people just because of your show. Thank you, guys ! P.S. This guys has second-best hoarseness after Ray Lamontagne !!! Crazy !!!

[@davidpiedfort837]

this is the first time I got emotional, watching your brilliant program! Thanks you guys ;-)

[@BenRootsify]

Feeling emotional hearing John singing and playing, what a voice and one of the most beautiful acoustic sound i've ever heard !

[@matthewcollis-long5233]

Possibly the finest acoustic guitar sounds I’ve ever heard. Just stunning.

[@gdscheiwe01]

What an amazing artist. Thanks Dan and Mick for broadening my musical horizons. I would have never run across John if I didn’t tune in to your show. Peace!

[@keestoft250]

You just know you're in for a treat when you press play to find Mick and Dan looking like they've been crying. Brilliant episode

[@chrisdore5726]

D&M: This is one of the best TPS vids ever. The balance between the music, the person, and the equipment was perfect. What a great way to feature an outstanding musician and person, the tools we use, and how real people interact. Great, great job! Thank you!

[@mpwithad]

This is officially my favorite TPS episode ever. What beautiful singing, song writing and playing.

[@MartyMitchell74]

Brilliant. Inspiring. Beautiful. Thanks so much for introducing us to this incredible musician and story teller.

[@_Heinle]

This was truly exquisite. One of the most breathtaking performances I've seen in a long time. The fact he is able to achieve such a full, balanced, and beautiful sound is astounding.

[@tskjek08]

Beautiful. Sublime. Enchanting. Moving. Superb. Resplendent. Glorious. Majestic. Awe-inspiring.

[@GitShiddy]

Pretty sure I had the same reaction most people did when this came up. Sees the title & thinks "Who?", first song starts playing & suddenly it's "Holy shit! Why didn't I know?! Must remedy." Honestly haven't been so slack jawed watching TPS in ...ever?!

[@joshuashatto5815]

Rarely am I moved by music as I was when I was younger, it's something I lament, but I was literally brought to tears by your songs. Your songs were somehow important to me, and I will be listening to more. For now, I just wanted to say thank you. I hope you feel that thank you deeply. And thank you Dan and Mick for hosting. Much love from the States.

[@blues61]

Off to purchase some John Smith recordings then back to TPS...

[@mikemartin6554]

yep....he's on my musical bucket list.

[@andrewboland8170]

Been a fan of John's for a while now - great to see him getting the recognition he deserves in the comments here (and a lot of well deserved new fans). Lovely to hear Roger's amazing guitars played as they should be too. Great episode and really looking forward to part two!

[@KevinLindsay64]

I've watched this clip about a dozen times now, and I am reduced to tears each time. Stunningly beautiful playing and singing. Love it!!

[@MrAnhedonic]

I can see how this made you emotional. I've got chills. I can only imagine the feeling of being present to such beauty. Thanks guys

[@eanroad]

Some of the best vid editing (timing, transition, music in background, etc) I've seen from the show!

[@noisecode5867]

I started this episode not feeling entirely in the mood for an acoustic thing. John won me over in the space of about two notes and I was in pieces by the time I got where I was going. Just amazing. Mick once said that Simon has excellent taste in guitars. It appears that the same is true of friends and music. Thank you for completely rearranging my emotional state, for providing the best possible soundtrack to my morning drive through the Texas hill country, and for another excellent show!

[@ElderTobias]

Never heard of John Smith before this video, and I had tears in my eyes before the end of the first chorus of Joanna. Absolutely beautiful, please please bring him back on when you can!

[@KevinLindsay64]

I was exactly the same - blubbing like a kid within the first verse. Beautiful stuff.

[@alexstagemusic2361]

Wow! Thank you Dan, Mick, Simon and of course John! This was a real moving episode, amazing playing and incredible sound quality! Going to deep dive into Johns music now.

[@petergoddard1960]

Bloody marvellous, I'm lost for words. Inspiring doesn't even get close. My doors of perception just got ripped off the hinges. Get John back soon!

[@terminalbliss]

Around 17mins.. I've seen people tap an acoustic guitar to use it as a percussive instrument but never at this level of expressiveness mixing in the harmonics and the low string bass notes (appears to be a capo across the 5 upper strings?) I am blown away. Thanks for sharing, now I feel like I've got to spend 100 hours tapping my acoustic just to get to a fraction of the skill level he is at with this performance. So amazing.

[@Beaniche]

I've been lucky enough to see John play live many times since his fox and the monk album. He just gets better and better! and it's a beautiful thing to behold and hear. Well done chaps, great showcase for the guy ;)

[@ryanhill452]

Dan and Mick, THANK YOU for introducing me to new and amazing music that I probably would not have looked for or found on my own. This was really far from what I was expecting on TPS, but just awesome. I really appreciate all that you do.

[@applemanuk]

Thanks for introducing to such a wonderful artist. It is always a delight discovering new and exciting guitar players & their music.

[@lamsonian]

Beautiful Tones, and Overtones! ... and that Voice! ... so Soulful. Thank you for doing, You. Peace. Light. Blessings. Bounty. Joy.

[@terrymcnabb5859]

Woke up 5am in Portland, Oregon. Made coffee and opened my iPad to watch today’s episode of TPS only to hear a song about Oregon. Beautiful sounds. Thanks for a great show from Oregon.

[@wolfhorsky]

OMG that intro 30s was like the music from heaven. I love it. What a great and humble man.

[@ddpphoto]

You guys really are wonderful ambassadors for the craft. Nice one.

[@andysolomon279]

Wow! Never heard of John, but he is SERIOUS! So much respect for these guys who can man handle music out of acoustic guitars!

[@MaPa60]

OMG the low end of those guitars! How.. stunning, inspiring and incredible sounds..

[@revenant235]

Rare for this viewing community to be simultaneously struck dumb, and yet be so briefly articulate in it’s appreciation of an artist. Appropriate that the best response to such English folk music done right is a simple Old English expletive.

[@brandonearley9624]

Anyone else keep coming back to this video because it was the best acoustic sound you have ever heard?

[@rjroth4869]

What an interesting change of pace. Beautiful, expressive music for sure! Thanks for the variety.

[@clbazar]

The last several pedal show episodes have made me realize that the English language is missing a word for the experience of watching an amazing musician like John Smith play and the feeling you get of being both inspired to play and determined to never pick up your instrument again. Bravo Dan and Mick! You have become our shaman guides into the very center of that elusive place where our nerd brains and tender hearts wrap around each other. Thank you Gents. Carry on.

[@kurtkrezanski7746]

Such inspiring playing. Thanks Dan and Mick for putting out such great shows!

[@sleepymarauder4178]

Well he's got a new fan. What a chap! Great player, good singer, handsome man and a lovely person. Thanks Mick and Dan for introducing him to me!

[@rafsbio]

TPS is by far the best guitar channel on KZbin. In between geeky technical stuff (which is great), you guys showcase an artist like this fellow. It's such a great reminder that gear is great but, in the end, just tools to be creative and expressive. You're making better musicians of us all. Thank you.

[@stevieboy444]

So cool, welcome & interesting to see something so very different to what I'm used to. Beautiful sounds & great songs!

[@connormccormack5650]

Watching this a year later. Gosh darn it, this is timeless. John Smith is the embodiment of a true artist. Such mastery..

[@tonyhomewood8264]

Today has been my birthday and that was probably the best present anyone could ask for. Staggeringly beautiful 🙏❤️

[@RichardSeal]

Just stunning! I think John has just gained a lot of new fans!

[@evanmiller2579]

So totally get the emotion at the start of the video. Maybe many wouldn’t but that is how music is for me too. Had a band practice the other day for a big summer festival here next weekend. At the end we were goofing around and started playing an old song that reminded us of being in our late teens. Everyone got goose bumps and a bit misty. Real men cry over guitar. Cheers guys!

[@brianricker1703]

You guys never cease to amaze me with your episodes. What a find John is, just amazing. Thank you both for all that you give us.

[@baroidrig1435]

Good grief! what an amazingly talented humble man. That was truly something very special. No wonder you guys got emotional. John Smith is now on a lot of radars, well done lads.

[@bryangray4178]

Wow...thank you guys so much for introducing us to artist like John. truly incredible musician

[@Ephergie]

Wow... just... wow. This was truly beautiful... it's made me dig out my acoustics as they've not had much love for many a year. I can't wait for Part Two of this video. Good luck with the tour John and thanks to Dan & Mick for introducing your wonderful music to my ears!

[@chrisjs6123]

Good lord, what a player, what a voice. How on earth have i never heard of him? Fantastic- so happy to have a new musical obsession.

[@mrtwohats]

My partner gave me Hummingbird for Christmas. I put it on in the car, on the drive back home from family, and when Hares on the Mountain finished we both cried! Too beautiful. Everyone should have a copy of that album. Thanks TPS boys, you're awesome!

[@DenisSurette]

Gorgeous playing and tone! John is a fantastic discovery, thank you. Waiting patiently for his return to TPS.

[@timwalton840]

Each and every episode of TPS is a joy but this one was particularly special! Thank you so much for introducing us all to yet another incredible musician and songwriter!

[@jimspinner9030]

This show introduces me to some great artists which I would otherwise be entirely ignorant of. Can’t thank you and them enough!

[@edd27]

Here I am, 10 minutes after the end, still staring at my screen in absolute awe.. Thank you guys for that mind blowing discovery..

[@kylesnyder9452]

Thank you so much Dan and Mick for this episode of tps. I have a new favorite folk artist now, so good!

[@paultwiselton1996]

What an eye-opening mind blowing audial orgasmotron of a show. I didn't know of John but now I'll never forget him. I'm off a-hunting up that mountain.

[@joelcrow]

Star struck by this episode!! I have only a handful of saved videos on youtube, and two of them are John's songs from fretboard journal...his town to town song made me purchase a slide to use on my acoustic!! That is crazy talk!

[@theactualjamesbrown]

I thought I knew something about acoustic guitar. Now I realise I know nothing. Nothing at all. Thank you for showing what is possible - it is truly inspiring. Have a great tour!

[@markprice1847]

Wow. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for introducing me to John's music!

[@mscheiner10]

More John PLEASE. My God, thank you guys for introducing him to my life. Have not stopped listening to anything of his that I've been able to track down since this video. Incredible voice and playing, but the SONGS. "In service to the song" is a phrase you hear all the time, but John embodies that as well as anyone I've ever heard.

[@rs700910]

Simply fabulous, I’d stopped listening to acoustic music but John’s made me download that.. thanks guys. 👍😘

[@CGCEifel]

Wow, something about this really hit home. Stunning episode, hope he will be back soon.

[@tonybrooks476]

That was a very refreshing show. What a gent an what a sound. Well done all.

[@neilspake]

Heavens Above! This is one of the multitude of reasons I love TPS. You’ve enlightened us all once again to incredible musicianship, along with the tech we love. This guy is Tony McManus on guitar with Joe Cocker on vocals. Simply incredible! I’ll be getting John’s music ASAP. Thanks so much guys!

[@matthewdean5807]

This was so beautiful! Thank you guys for introducing me to this artist. that rig is complex! But innovative. Cheers all!

[@brianpateman2666]

What a pleasure to round off an otherwise disastrous day! Thanks Mick, Dan and above all John. It isn't every day I am introduced to a new favourite performer.

[@ramseyjansen]

Beautiful sounds! Nice to see an 'acoustic' episode! :-)

[@Andy_Yates]

This was an absolute treat. Beautiful music and what a nice guy. Thank you!

[@DragonofLimerick]

An absolute pleasure to watch a Master at his trade, both the playing and the building of the boards!

[@tomaszmikinka8681]

Thank You for introducing this fine Gentleman to me. I'm listening to his music whole day. And it is a good day. Because of that... Man. There is something very honest in His guitar and voice. Thank You very much. Greets, from Poland.

[@MrOtters86]

I saw Americana and listened to the opening playing and liked! Can I like again after the video finishes.

[@bniwa]

THE FUTURE FORMAT OF TPS HAS LANDED. Emotional indeed, thanks guys!!

[@TheRealReTox]

"John is a friend of Simon's and now a friend of ours" Too right! Mr. Smith has made a lot of friends today. I just watched this video, now I'm watching again. Brilliant, just fantastic!

[@mazdaz7422]

Yes, that is true, life is too short to spend it on long KZbin shows, but every minute of your show and particularly this episode is worth it. Thank you for such a great job. Best wishes from Vancouver!

[@jamesemerson4102]

That song at the end is simply magical. What a moving voice he has and a beautiful guitar sound.

[@jonasgrundsted1977]

Holy crap! John Smith is AMAZING! 😮👍

[@samwisegrangee]

I revisit this video to listen to these tunes every couple of months. And I have to say, John looks like Dan and Mick faces blended together. Guess I didn’t notice the first dozen times with all the tears in my eyes. Great music, John. 👏🏼

[@siddharthsharma1526]

what an amazing performance by John!!!! Amazing.

[@tmitz73]

Wait, what? Mates? Why am I just hearing this guy for the first time? You guys keep introducing me to new stuff.......Thank you a thousand times!!

[@Soundwavesound]

John Smith is amazing! Out of this world! Thank you TPS for showing us what a great artist John is. Now I have to buy every single record that he has made. Looking forward to the next time he is a guest on TPS.

[@simonnaji]

Oh my goodness, such beautiful stuff from John. I haven't heard so gorgeous a melding of traditions since mid-period John Martyn. Mick and Dan, I ******** love you guys for the honest emotional way you respond to music in the studio. I feel much less crazy as a result.

[@edwardbosloper2445]

That is the most inspiring acoustic guitar video I have seen in a long time. What an incredible talent! I love the tunings he uses and those guitars are unbelievable!

[@farflownfalcon1076]

I've been a fan of John Smith for years. It's very gratifying scrolling down through the comments and seeing so many people falling in love for the first time.

[@thejohnsmith]

Thank you!

[@ryanhurley8170]

Wow. Just... wow. Hares on the Mountain. There’s always amazing tone on TPS, but I’ve never cried while watching your show until that song. You guys have been bringing on some truly AMAZING guests lately... THANK YOU!

[@ryanhurley8170]

Also, glad Red is safe!

[@andyw6026]

Oh my good god. Speechless. Buying now. What a discovery, thank you so much!

[@mahatma_gandalf]

Oh my gosh. Where do I start? Amazing music! Amazing EVERYTHING!!! Furthermore, I spy a gold PRS in the house!!

[@guitarsimon1]

Good lord, where do you keep finding these guitar players that force me to completely rethink everything I know and thought I knew about guitar and music!

[@gabesandholm]

So good! From the very first note, I'm quite certain everyone listening had already decided to they needed to do whatever possible to chase that tone. This was my first experience with John's music. Instant fan!

[@Psychonautilus]

Oh my, I just stumbled upon this... John Smith on TPS, It took me simultaneously back to our Liverpool days while showing how far you've come John - wow man! And then there's Winter ... still stunningly beautiful! Thanks

[@_RLP]

When Joanna came on, I was blown away. Like an elbow to the stomach... The song felt so big... Thanks, guys. Truly. This was a great gift. And the best part is that, according to the clock, it was filmes on my birthday. Much respect and appreciation. Cheers

[@ThatPedalShow]

Happy birthday Ricardo!

[@stuarthartley6824]

Great show lads. Love John Smith and it was a treat to see how he uses pedals in an acoustic set up.

[@clint1009]

Clint here - Dan, I was the guy that caught you outside the Phil X clinic on Thursday to say hello, I didn't want to be rude and interrupt but I needed to say thank you for the excellent show both you and Mick put out each week. As a player of twenty something years and living the 'dad-rock' vibe for probably just as many - the two of you continue to give me such inspiration to not be ashamed of my geekery around all this stuff. I have consumed anything guitar/pedal/amp related I can find from my teenage years onwards and still you keep me glued to every video you put out. Such a wealth of knowledge by two of the most humble and genuine gear nerds I've ever seen. Would love to hear more original material from you both as 'All Of Me' and 'Blistered' are firm favourites! Keep up the awesome work!!

[@MagnusGuldbrandsen]

God strewth! How do you come by these amazing artists? Thank you so much for the introduction!

[@andysolomon279]

TPS has introduced me to SO much good music! :-)

[@ripplebear]

Absolutely mesmerizing. I know there's lots of music out there, but so much of acoustic guitar takes me back to my dad playing Michael Hedges tunes for me. I was living in a dream world as a child hearing that music. That second song he played with the rhythm patterns drumming on the guitar.. Sure wish Michael hedges was around to hear him play that tune! Very cool!

[@anthonydallarosa8314]

That guy can write a song!!! Holy smokes! So glad you had him on the show.

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers guys, what a stunning experience, truly humbling. Never thought I couldn't care less about the pedal board build, sorry Dan, sure you understand. Ace job on the audio. Excuse me while I go and reconsider my life choices.....strewth.