John Smith At TPS For A Board Build, Guitar Chat & Jaw-Dropping Performances - That Pedal Show
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- Опубліковано 8 чер 2024
- Well this was a turn up for the books. Blinking once again into the dawn light of our own ignorance, Dan and I are awakened to the immense talents of Mr John Smith. We have Simon to thank - he and John are friends - for this most auspicious and fortuitous happening.
John’s unique blend of British folk and Americana hits the sweetest of spots on our radar. A fingerstyle master, slide supremo, accomplished songwriter and utterly compelling vocalist, we feel privileged to welcome him to Schwangri-La where we get to hang out, talk guitars, build a board and get treated to our own performance of three songs. It’s a day we’ll never forget… at least until the next time he comes back, which he surely must!
Yes, we know the show was about two hours shorter than it should have been. Children needed to be collected, flights caught and all that life stuff. The important thing was that we got the board built for his tour. He WILL be back!
I’d just like to add - Mick here - all those tracks were first takes, straight out of the gate. Colour us impressed, deeply moved and forever inspired!
For everything John, please head to www.johnsmithjohnsmith.com/
The tracks he plays are:
• 'Joanna' (from the album Headlong, 2017)
• 'Winter' (from the album The Fox And The Monk, 2006/2010)
• 'Hares On The Mountain' (from the album Hummingbird, 2018)
Enjoy the episode!
Pedals & stuff in this episode…
• TC Electronic PolyTune 2 Mini - No longer made, link to newest version
UK & Europe: bit.ly/30GVcUn
USA: imp.i114863.net/VXJeA
Australia: bit.ly/348bMOY
• Raven Labs Professional Master Blender II Preamp
No longer made
• RMI Lehle Acouswitch Junior
lehle.com/EN/RMI-Acouswitch-J...
USA: bit.ly/342CIPO
• Origin Effects SlideRig Compact (links for latest model)
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2XZltfi
Australia: bit.ly/2ZA9MfE
USA: bit.ly/3dDLGJI
• Boss OC-3 Super Octave (fed from the piezo pickup only)
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2pQJrK8
USA: imp.i114863.net/0ag7M
Australia: bit.ly/2x4uRCo
• Strymon El Capistan dTape Echo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2cVgRPr
USA: imp.i114863.net/EDLXP
Australia: bit.ly/2pUnPeu
• Strymon Blue Sky Reverb
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2wJSNO8
USA: imp.i114863.net/ndq36
Australia: bit.ly/2GgGPLr
• Strymon Flint Reverb & Tremolo
UK & Europe: bit.ly/2G3EVQ3
USA: imp.i114863.net/OAkQQ
Australia: bit.ly/2FkLm49
* Why do we have preferred retailer links? Find out here: www.thatpedalshow.com/partners
Interesting bits and go-to sections…
- Intro playing and intro: 0:00
- John plays Joanna: 2:00
- Rewind to earlier… goofing about with John’s guitars: 5:45
- John’s Fylde Alexander and a bit of DADGAD: 11:40
- John plays Winter: 15:26
- Pedalboard build of sorts: 18:55
- John’s signal chain: 19:35
- John plays some of Hares On The Mountain: 22:30
- New board layout: 23:30
- Back to the show and more board explanation: 26:05
- Folk meets Americana? 30:00
- John plays us out… 33:00
- And plays all of Hares On The Mountain - phew! 33:15
Guitars in this episode:
• Fylde Alexander: www.fyldeguitars.com/alexande... (link for standard model)
• Fylde Falstaff: www.fyldeguitars.com/falstaff... (link for standard model)
Amps in this episode
• AER Alpha Acoustic Amp aer-the-acoustic-people.de/en/...
• Fender ’65 Super Reverb with Jensen P10R speakers shop.fender.com/en-GB/guitar-...
• Fender Rumble Stage 800: shop.fender.com/en-GB/bass-am...
We hope you enjoy this episode. Please subscribe to our channel.
You can buy TPS merch to support our efforts www.thatpedalshowstore.com
We are on Patreon - crowdfunding for creatives
/ thatpedalshow
Please visit our preferred retailers!
UK & Europe: Andertons Music bit.ly/2cRvIvt
Australia: Pedal Empire bit.ly/2mWmJQf
USA: That Pedal Shop www.thatpedalshop.com/
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....
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 UA-cam. Beautiful playing man. 👏
Thanks man!
@@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!
Good grief, lads. John Smith is a million miles away from my usual stuff but that was awesome. More of this guy, please.
My thoughts exactly, I'm glad they opened with the slide otherwise I might not have stuck around.
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 !!!
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!!
Love it. "Slap, Zing & Bonk" could be a modern acoustic guitar trio. It would be absolutely unlistenable.
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
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
OMG that intro 30s was like the music from heaven. I love it. What a great and humble man.
This is officially my favorite TPS episode ever. What beautiful singing, song writing and playing.
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.
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!
Feeling emotional hearing John singing and playing, what a voice and one of the most beautiful acoustic sound i've ever heard !
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!
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.
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.
Possibly the finest acoustic guitar sounds I’ve ever heard. Just stunning.
Beautiful. Sublime. Enchanting. Moving. Superb. Resplendent. Glorious. Majestic. Awe-inspiring.
Brilliant. Inspiring. Beautiful. Thanks so much for introducing us to this incredible musician and story teller.
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!
this is the first time I got emotional, watching your brilliant program! Thanks you guys ;-)
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?!
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.
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!
I was exactly the same - blubbing like a kid within the first verse. Beautiful stuff.
Some of the best vid editing (timing, transition, music in background, etc) I've seen from the show!
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 ;)
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.
Today has been my birthday and that was probably the best present anyone could ask for.
Staggeringly beautiful 🙏❤️
THE FUTURE FORMAT OF TPS HAS LANDED. Emotional indeed, thanks guys!!
I've become quite used to brilliant playing in your video intros, but never did I think I would be sitting here, 5 minutes in, in tears. My goodness.
Edit - Sorry, I deleted my previous message before I realised you guys had replied. I didn't think it did justice to the video. No offence intended.
I'm a blubbering mess each time I've watched this video. Just beautiful.
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.
TPS is by far the best guitar channel on UA-cam. 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.
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.
Thank you so much Dan and Mick for this episode of tps. I have a new favorite folk artist now, so good!
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.
Damn, every time I get comfy & complacent with TPS you guys throw a 12-to-6 curve (baseball reference) and leave me gaping yet again. Fab episode and fab music making!
Absolutely speechless. How have I been sleeping on this fella?
Dan/Mick/Simon: thanks so much for bringing John Smith to my attention, I have a feeling this is going to be a long and fruitful obsession. Massive props to JS himself for blowing my tiny mind; cannot wait to see him back on the show and also give him all of my money.
Oh, I've also just realised this is perfect music for a Solstice night. Nefarious planning from the TPS bois, or glorious serendipity? we shall never know
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.
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!
Dan and Mick, we need to sequel to this video. Bring John Smith back!
Wow! Never heard of John, but he is SERIOUS! So much respect for these guys who can man handle music out of acoustic guitars!
Here I am, 10 minutes after the end, still staring at my screen in absolute awe.. Thank you guys for that mind blowing discovery..
OMG the low end of those guitars! How.. stunning, inspiring and incredible sounds..
For a millisecond I thought it’s Joey. After realizing that he’s not, I was a bit disappointed for another millisecond. The first playing already convinced me. What a great player, singer & songwriter. Already looking forward to the full episode!!!
Just ordered a record
John's playing is brilliant, Dan's pedalboard work is brilliant, and Mick your interview style is fantastic. Oh, and Simon I know you're the hidden star of the outfit ;)
Thanks Chris!
Just stunning! I think John has just gained a lot of new fans!
Such inspiring playing. Thanks Dan and Mick for putting out such great shows!
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
Happy birthday Ricardo!
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
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!
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!!
I get a notification "Josh Smith at TPS for a Board Build, Guitar Chat & Jaw-Dropping Performances" and I'm like "didn't he get a new board like 2 weeks ago? doesnt matter, hell yeah, best thing happened today so far".
Click the link, tab opens in background ... "acoustic guitar? sounds great"... "slide? mmm nice, but i didnt know Josh played acoustic?... slide?"... then I actually go to the tab to see what's going on ... 1.5 secs of "wait, who's this guy, where did they put Josh?" before I started appreciatting the awesomeness of this man to the full extent. Thank you TPS for helping me discover great music!
Joey Landreth and Ariel Posen, Josh Smith, Kirk Fletcher, Matt Schofield, and so many more. And a new man on this list of awesomeness! Honestly, looking on my recent playlists, I have absolutely no clue what I'd be listening to right now if it wasn't for TPS, cause it's all from people you've made me notice.
Also, thank you Simon for bringing such talented friends to TPS and for all your awesome work behind the camera/scenes! Given he has impeccable taste in guitars (still remember your gibson jazz box in the p90s episode) I bet he's a damn good player.
When are we gonna see him as a guest on TPS? (since now you have an asistent who can do the camera work for that one :D)
Thanks for introducing to such a wonderful artist. It is always a delight discovering new and exciting guitar players & their music.
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.
I think I’m coming to the conclusion that I just love the sound of open/alt tunings. Between this, Joey landreth, and Ariel Posen they all sound so much more immense than just standard.
This was so beautiful! Thank you guys for introducing me to this artist. that rig is complex! But innovative. Cheers all!
Holy crap! John Smith is AMAZING! 😮👍
You guys really are wonderful ambassadors for the craft. Nice one.
Guys, i rarely comment anything but i have seen all of your videos and i HAVE to say thanks you for bringing such good artists to the show, not only for the gear but for their music, and their stories and things they've learned. I definetely wouldn't know Mark Lettieri, Ariel Posen, John Smith, Joey Landreth, Kirk Fletcher, Josh Smith, Matt Schofield and alot more it it wasn't from you guys SO THANKS YOU A LOT FROM CHILE !!!!
That guy can write a song!!! Holy smokes! So glad you had him on the show.
Wow...thank you guys so much for introducing us to artist like John. truly incredible musician
That song at the end is simply magical. What a moving voice he has and a beautiful guitar sound.
Mick, I'm applauding your and John's ability to play that guitar standing up with it squeezed against your midsection. So much harder than you make it look.
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!
This show introduces me to some great artists which I would otherwise be entirely ignorant of. Can’t thank you and them enough!
what an amazing performance by John!!!! Amazing.
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!
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.
TPS introducing some serious artist. BRAVO
"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!
I'm not really into acoustics but my god that first Rosewood/cedar just sounds absolutely amazing. Also John if your watching thank you; watching and listening to you made my day.
Nice one Peter! Your comment reminds me to open my mind a bit more. I’m kinda shocked to hear when people aren’t into acoustics, but I guess it’s a fairly common thing. To me, acoustic IS guitar and the electric is this distraction we all got hooked on. Ha! It’s such a rare pleasure to hear John taking us back to school. Hope you’re well!
That Pedal Show yeah I guess it is a bit strange. If electric instruments didn’t exist I would probably have chosen a sax or clarinet over the guitar. I like instruments with a long sustain and depth which is probably also why I prefer early Carlos Santana tone over say Clapton using a strat or your fave SRV.
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!
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!!
Oh my oh my..
Its ok ive just got something in my eye
😥
Beautiful
Everything in/about this episode is a work of art.
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.
Thank you!
Wow. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for introducing me to John's music!
Wow, I wasn't aware of John until now, I'm definitely getting some of his albums! His phrasing, picking style, and board layout are absolutely amazing. And if anyone out there is still listening to TPS without good headphones, PLEASE do yourself a big favor and get some. This is just a sample of John??, ....can't wait for his promised return!
First of all, I love this video. This is a great new dimension for the show. Second, when John was explaining his board, I thought, right, Dan will solve the 2 tuners problem. Then I see two tuners on the board.
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!
Beautiful sounds! Nice to see an 'acoustic' episode! :-)
That was a very refreshing show. What a gent an what a sound. Well done all.
Anyone else keep coming back to this video because it was the best acoustic sound you have ever heard?
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.
HOLY SHIZBALLS, Johns amazing! The thought process behind his board and in such a compact size....
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
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!
Incredible. Will wait with eager anticipation for his comeback show. And right in your backyard. What are the odds?!?
Dan's right, I know that feeling totally in awe when I meet the guy. if anyone hasnt seen him please get a ticket, your ears will thank you for it!!!
Gorgeous playing and tone! John is a fantastic discovery, thank you. Waiting patiently for his return to TPS.
TPS Consistently introduces me to my new favourite guitarists; players who push the medium and make it look easy. Every episode is an absolute privilege.
This was an absolute treat. Beautiful music and what a nice guy. Thank you!
What an interesting change of pace. Beautiful, expressive music for sure! Thanks for the variety.
It's even more impressive that those effects don't overshadow the sound of the guitar! In spite of three amps and a jillion pickups/inputs, the sound of that guitar shines through.
Holy crap - never heard of this guy. This, well he, is amazing
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!