Smith co-produced ‘The Fray’ with long-time friend and producer Sam Lakeman.  They recorded at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studio, with pianist Jason Rebello (Sting, John Mayer), bass player Ben Nicholls (Seth Lakeman, Nadine Shah), Drummer Jay Sikora (Paolo Nutini) and Jessica Staveley-Taylor of The Staves.  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.  Driving a rental car from Asheville to Nashville, John stopped to write the standout track ‘Eye to Eye’ with North Carolina-based Sarah Siskind.  The Americana influence is a red thread throughout the album which beautifully compliments Smith’s unmistakeable British Folk roots.   

Smith was born in Essex and raised on the Devon seaside.  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 40 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.