FOLLOWING the release of his well-received album Headlong, John Smith has announced an extensive UK tour. John will be coming to The Prince Albert in Stroud on October 29. 

Headlong is the fifth album in a hard-working, under-the-radar career which has earned the Devon-born Smith a dedicated following and secured the respect and admiration of his peers.

The late Renbourn called him “the future of folk music” and Smith has opened shows for artists as diverse as Iron and Wine, John Martyn, Tinariwen and Gil Scott-Heron.

It is not by chance that John’s new record comes bearing a title implying impulsive, breakneck motion – written as it was, across various touring stints playing guitar for the likes of La Havas and Hannigan across the U.S.

“When I finished touring Great Lakes I felt like I had time on my hands, and I thought rather than go home and try to write, where it just didn’t feel natural, I wanted to keep on touring. It felt right,” John said about the creation of his new album. 

Many of its songs are inspired by John’s wife and newborn baby – together they form a magnetic north of sorts for Headlong. Although the album is informed in part by separation, it is also an album full of hope and the trembling promise of the future. 

Headlong also bears the indelible loss of John’s close friend Renbourn. The death of the Pentangle legend took a particularly strong toll.

"His death really hit me hard," John said. 

"He was so much more to me than someone I’d played with, and who had encouraged me. He was a friend as well, so I wanted to reference him on this album – that’s why I’ve dedicated it to his memory."

John Smith is at The Prince Albert from 8-10.45pm on October 29. Tickets are £12. See theprincealbertstroud.co.uk