crookedjukebox. talks John Smith live @ the Colchester Arts Centre.

live @ the
Colchester Arts Centre

John Smith

John Smith proves he’s Far Too Good to not see Live.

by Nicola O’Connell

Photo by Nicola O’Connell @nic.oconnellphotography

I had the absolute delight of getting to see John Smith perform at the Colchester Arts Centre on Saturday 6th April. As someone who has attended mostly rock genre gigs it was actually the biggest breath of fresh air ever. Firstly, the former church turned arts centre was the perfect kind of setting for such an event, and with fairy lights hanging up above the audience it was truly the most cosy and intimate setting.

Currently supporting John Smith on his UK tour is the ridiculously talented Lizzie No with no one but a guitar and harp to accompany her stunning voice. And that’s really all she needs. There are some artists that you hear on record and think they’re great but Lizzie blew me out the water. Her songs are beautiful and her stage presence is wonderful. I have the most respect to artists like Lizzie No & John Smith that perform alone and have to keep the audience entertained between songs, something which they both done perfectly.

If you haven’t heard of Lizzie No before (like, why not?) get listening. Describing her music as ‘americana’, a style that dabbles in many areas such as folk, country and blues, you’ll be taken on a journey with her soulful voice and beautiful lyrics. ‘The Heartbreak Store’, ‘Annie Oakley’ and ‘Centralia’ are personal favourites if you’re looking for somewhere to start. I’m grateful to have gotten to see her perform.

Photo by Nicola O’Connell @nic.oconnellphotography

John Smith just released his new album titled ‘The Living Kind’ last month on the 15th March. Since it’s release, the record has made it’s way to the Top 10 of the Folk Albums Chart which is completely deserved. The entirety of it is fantastic and you can tell John Smith has poured his everything into making and writing these songs.

John Smith’s voice is what I’d describe as melted butter.. on toast. HEAR me out. It’s warm and smooth but with the perfect amount of roughness. & he sounds phenomenal live in venues like the Colchester Arts Centre. His voice completely envelopes you.

John performed songs from his new album such as ‘Trick Of The Light’, ‘Milestones’, and ‘The Living Kind’ getting the audience involved with a bit of call and response which was great fun, I loved hearing the room singing back to him. Finishing up the night with his song ‘Far Too Good’, I was sad it had to come to an end. It was one of my favourite music experiences I’ve had. Sometimes it’s nice to switch off and listen to relaxing music with amazing voices and storytelling.

John Smith’s tour has only just started with UK dates all throughout April with support from Lizzie No, after which he’ll be onto Ireland supported by Jeffrey Foucault. There are several dates with tickets still available so if you’re looking for an evening out with stunning music I highly recommend snapping those tickets up.

Find John Smith on Instagram, Spotify and Apple Music.
Find Lizzie No on Instagram, Spotify and Apple Music.

JOHN SMITH - 06.04.2024 - Colchester Arts Centre - Photo by Nicola O'Connell

LIZZIE NO - 06.04.2024 - Colchester Arts Centre - Photo by Nicola O'Connell