Backroads

Johnsmith

John’s 9th solo CD co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, features a gorgeous blend of the quietly powerful and heartfelt songs including the country styles on Virgil's Sweet Six String and Rattle My Bones and choral backing on songs such as My Name is America and Where's The World Going to. There are moving love songs to his wife of decades and to his

John’s 9th solo CD co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, features a gorgeous blend of the quietly powerful and heartfelt songs including the country styles on Virgil's Sweet Six String and Rattle My Bones and choral backing on songs such as My Name is America and Where's The World Going to. There are moving love songs to his wife of decades and to his small home town on the banks of the Mississippi in Wisconsin, and quietly contemplative reflections on life in Out Across the Openness and Before I Go. The title track, Backroads, is a quintessential Johnsmith song, that ranks among his finest. The album features guitar, dobro, banjo, fiddle, upright bass, French horn with harmony vocals by John’s daughter, Elisi Smith-Waller, and long time partner, Dan Sebranek.

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Ginkgo

Johnsmith

John’s 8th solo CD, co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, features guitar, dobro, banjo, violin, upright bass, harmony vocals by daughter, Elisi Smith-Waller, and partner, Dan Sebranek.

Ginkgo is Wisconsin singer-songwriter Johnsmith’s 8th solo CD. 13 new original songs ranging from the insightful, Fallow Season,to the moving title track, Ginkgo,from

John’s 8th solo CD, co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, features guitar, dobro, banjo, violin, upright bass, harmony vocals by daughter, Elisi Smith-Waller, and partner, Dan Sebranek.

Ginkgo is Wisconsin singer-songwriter Johnsmith’s 8th solo CD. 13 new original songs ranging from the insightful, Fallow Season,to the moving title track, Ginkgo,from the fun talkin’ blues, Lucky Duck,to the powerful song that shows his love of nature, The Medicine. This new CD finds John’s songwriting skills reaching a new depth in the art of combining craft and heart. Co-produced with long time friend Tom Prasada-Rao. Featuring guitar, dobro, banjo, violin, upright bass, with harmony vocals by John’s daughter, Elisi Smith-Waller, and long time partner, Dan Sebranek.

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The Longing Road

Johnsmith

The new CD has 14 original songs ranging from Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, to Blues. Co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, it features Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott, Gene Elder, Ray Bonneville, and Glen Fukanaga.

The Longing Road CD is filled with original Johnsmith songs ranging from the playful "Middle of the Moment" to the tender "Please Remember This"

The new CD has 14 original songs ranging from Folk, Bluegrass, Americana, to Blues. Co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, it features Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott, Gene Elder, Ray Bonneville, and Glen Fukanaga.

The Longing Road CD is filled with original Johnsmith songs ranging from the playful "Middle of the Moment" to the tender "Please Remember This" to the soulful "Lay it Down" to the foot-stomping "Borders of the Moon."

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Gravity of Grace

Johnsmith

Johnsmith's sixth CD "Gravity of Grace,” co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, recorded in Dallas, TX, includes a cast of acoustic music’s finest players including Darrell Scott, Tim O'Brien, Tom Prasada-Rao, Jagoda, Radoslav Lorkorvic, Ray Bonneville...

Johnsmith's sixth CD "Gravity of Grace,” co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, recorded in Dallas, TX,

Johnsmith's sixth CD "Gravity of Grace,” co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, recorded in Dallas, TX, includes a cast of acoustic music’s finest players including Darrell Scott, Tim O'Brien, Tom Prasada-Rao, Jagoda, Radoslav Lorkorvic, Ray Bonneville...

Johnsmith's sixth CD "Gravity of Grace,” co-produced with Tom Prasada-Rao, recorded in Dallas, TX, includes a cast of acoustic music’s finest players including Darrell Scott, Tim O'Brien, Tom Prasada-Rao, Jagoda, Radoslav Lorkorvic, Ray Bonneville, Jonathan Byrd, and Jimmy LaFave. John is a winner of songwriting awards at Kerrville, Telluride, Rocky Mountain Folks, and Falcon Ridge folk festivals. The songs on Gravity of Grace find John once again stretching his songwriting wings. Expressing the harder edges of life and love, these songs span a broad spectrum of genres from folk to blues, from gospel to Celtic. The CD includes the catchy opening track Right Into Love, the soulful title track Gravity of Grace, the touching tribute Father’s Day, the bluesy Ring That Bell and Jaybird, the bluegrassy Scotch Pine, and his hymn-like version of Dylan’s The Times They are A-Changin’.

“Johnsmith extends his growing, glowing reputation . . . beautiful, high tenor voice, excellent guitar playing, and spirited, uplifting songs. His music is open-hearted, unpretentious, grounded in the personal, yet always accessible and universal. ~Sing Out! magazine

"John's plays and sings so well you almost don't notice how good his songs are. It's all there, and he's this nice regular guy you want to hang out with. Watch out, his music will sneak up on you." ~Tim O’Brien

“. . . one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I know.” ~Lydia Hutchinson, Editor Performing Songwriter Magazine

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Hole in the Clouds

Johnsmith

Johnsmith's first solo CD recorded in NYC 1998. A very soulful, spiritual CD. Guest players include Jeff Pevar, Marc Shulman, and Dee Carstensen.

"I don't know who this Johnsmith guy is. But after his album crossed my desk I feel like I do. Its heartfelt, well-written songs casually slipped into my CD player and didn't want to leave. Smith wrote

Johnsmith's first solo CD recorded in NYC 1998. A very soulful, spiritual CD. Guest players include Jeff Pevar, Marc Shulman, and Dee Carstensen.

"I don't know who this Johnsmith guy is. But after his album crossed my desk I feel like I do. Its heartfelt, well-written songs casually slipped into my CD player and didn't want to leave. Smith wrote or co-wrote all of this collection's dozen songs. They mirror life, and are sung by a voice so comfortable with them that they seem like old friends' stories that you've lived too. They are framed by simple, well-played music from a supporting cast that includes Michael Lille (acoustic guitars), Seth Farber (accordion, electric piano, organ, and piano), David Mansfield (violin and dobro), Michael Visceglia (bass), and Dean Sharp (drums). Gotta note the tasteful back-up vocals by Erin Kamler, Eugene Ruffolo, and Liz Queler, too. I do know this about Johnsmith . . . he's a guy who's made a great DIY disc, and whose songs deserve to find a wider audience through (and because of) it."

  • John Porter, The Performing Songwriter

"I want to live my life like I mean it." With this one line of lyric from his song, "No Turning Back," singer/songwriter Johnsmith has distilled his commitment to writing and performing songs that matter, songs that speak to the heart. In these times when so much popular music is a transient experience, John's songs plant their roots deep in the soul. He focuses on the things that make up the big picture for us all - in his words, "family, parents, children, relationships and the spiritual. I hope my music has an overall optimistic, upbeat feeling."

Born in Iowa, raised in a large family of ten kids, John got the music bug early. "I drove my mother crazy when I was little," he laughs. "I sat in the rocking chair for hours and made up songs, and everyday when I walked home from school, I would sing at the top of my lungs. While in high school, John found a more appropriate outlet for his singing in an R & B band. At the same time, he was absorbing the sounds of the great singer/songwriters of the time - Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne. This all led up to the turning point in college when he penned his first song. "I'd been playing other people's music, but it just didn't feel right," he recalls. "Then when I wrote my first song, it felt really good, like something that wasn't judged or compared to anyone else."

Since that time, he has forged his influences and passion for music into a sound all his own: powered by a guitar style that swings from driving, rhythmic grooves to softer open-tuned finger-picking, laying a solid foundation for his clear, soulful singing. The sound of his voice is warm and friendly, and his gift for incisive musical storytelling can move listeners to both tears and laughter.

A winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award and a perennial finalist at Telluride's Troubadour competition, Smith has performed both as a solo act and half of the acclaimed duo Runaway at clubs and coffeehouses around the country. Though his heavy touring schedule keeps him on the road for half the year and separates him from his home in Wisconsin, Smith reflects, "I've made a great family across the country. People often approach me after shows, and those personal connections are the most fulfilling part of this biz."

It's John's ability to connect with listeners, both through his songwriting and performing, that has consistently made him sought after. "I always try to remind myself before I perform," John says, "you've got these songs, you love to sing and people want to open their hearts if they feel your heart is open."

John currently has four recordings including "To The Four directions" , "Hole in the Clouds," and two recordings with the duo Runaway.

"When I first heard John Smith my attention was captured by his sweet, earthy voice and fine craftsmanship, but what drew me in was his heart. It's clear that he's lived the pain in his songs and that his optimism is hope born of wisdom. That's a rare thing and a gift to all who hear him." -Tom Kimmel "John Smith's songs always move me. They make me laugh, cry, dance or just sing along. He is one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I've ever met."

Lydia Hutchinson, The Performing Songwriter

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to the Four Directions

Johnsmith

Johnsmith is a true craftsman who delivers open-hearted songs with sage-like lyrics and a sweet, earthy voice.

"I don't know who this Johnsmith guy is. But after his album crossed my desk I feel like I do. Its heartfelt, well-written songs casually slipped into my CD player and didn't want to leave. Smith wrote or co-wrote all of this collection's

Johnsmith is a true craftsman who delivers open-hearted songs with sage-like lyrics and a sweet, earthy voice.

"I don't know who this Johnsmith guy is. But after his album crossed my desk I feel like I do. Its heartfelt, well-written songs casually slipped into my CD player and didn't want to leave. Smith wrote or co-wrote all of this collection's dozen songs. They mirror life, and are sung by a voice so comfortable with them that they seem like old friends' stories that you've lived too. They are framed by simple, well-played music from a supporting cast that includes Michael Lille (acoustic guitars), Seth Farber (accordion, electric piano, organ, and piano), David Mansfield (violin and dobro), Michael Visceglia (bass), and Dean Sharp (drums). Gotta note the tasteful back-up vocals by Erin Kamler, Eugene Ruffolo, and Liz Queler, too. I do know this about Johnsmith . . . he's a guy who's made a great DIY disc, and whose songs deserve to find a wider audience through (and because of) it."

  • John Porter, The Performing Songwriter

"I want to live my life like I mean it."

With this one line of lyric from his song, "No Turning Back," singer/songwriter Johnsmith has distilled his commitment to writing and performing songs that matter, songs that speak to the heart. In these times when so much popular music is a transient experience, John's songs plant their roots deep in the soul. He focuses on the things that make up the big picture for us all - in his words, "family, parents, children, relationships and the spiritual. I hope my music has an overall optimistic, upbeat feeling."

Born in Iowa, raised in a large family of ten kids, John got the music bug early. "I drove my mother crazy when I was little," he laughs. "I sat in the rocking chair for hours and made up songs, and everyday when I walked home from school, I would sing at the top of my lungs. While in high school, John found a more appropriate outlet for his singing in an R & B band. At the same time, he was absorbing the sounds of the great singer/songwriters of the time - Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Jackson Browne. This all led up to the turning point in college when he penned his first song. "I'd been playing other people's music, but it just didn't feel right," he recalls. "Then when I wrote my first song, it felt really good, like something that wasn't judged or compared to anyone else."

Since that time, he has forged his influences and passion for music into a sound all his own: powered by a guitar style that swings from driving, rhythmic grooves to softer open-tuned finger-picking, laying a solid foundation for his clear, soulful singing. The sound of his voice is warm and friendly, and his gift for incisive musical storytelling can move listeners to both tears and laughter.

A winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award and a perennial finalist at Telluride's Troubadour competition, Smith has performed both as a solo act and half of the acclaimed duo Runaway at clubs and coffeehouses around the country. Though his heavy touring schedule keeps him on the road for half the year and separates him from his home in Wisconsin, Smith reflects, "I've made a great family across the country. People often approach me after shows, and those personal connections are the most fulfilling part of this biz."

It's John's ability to connect with listeners, both through his songwriting and performing, that has consistently made him sought after. "I always try to remind myself before I perform," John says, "you've got these songs, you love to sing and people want to open their hearts if they feel your heart is open."

John currently has four recordings including "To The Four directions" , "Hole in the Clouds," and two recordings with the duo Runaway.

"When I first heard John Smith my attention was captured by his sweet, earthy voice and fine craftsmanship, but what drew me in was his heart. It's clear that he's lived the pain in his songs and that his optimism is hope born of wisdom. That's a rare thing and a gift to all who hear him." -Tom Kimmel

"John Smith's songs always move me. They make me laugh, cry, dance or just sing along. He is one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I've ever met."

Lydia Hutchinson, The Performing Songwriter

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Traveler

Johnsmith

Johnsmith's third solo CD finds him tapping into his bloodlines after touring and writing in Ireland. A blend of folk, r&b, celtic, pop, and jazz. Co-produced in Ashville NC with Chris Rosser.

John's newest CD, "Traveler," is an amazing blend of his dependably sweet songs and heartfelt stories with a new Celtic twist. John's ancestral visit to

Johnsmith's third solo CD finds him tapping into his bloodlines after touring and writing in Ireland. A blend of folk, r&b, celtic, pop, and jazz. Co-produced in Ashville NC with Chris Rosser.

John's newest CD, "Traveler," is an amazing blend of his dependably sweet songs and heartfelt stories with a new Celtic twist. John's ancestral visit to Ireland has imbued a lovely greenery into his passionate tales of life and love.

Recorded in Asheville, North Carolina and co-produced by Johnsmith with Chris Rosser, it includes some songs co-written with Tom Kimmel and Pierce Pettis.

"I want to live my life like I mean it," says singer/songwriter Johnsmith who has distilled his commitment to writing and performing songs that matter...songs that speak to the heart. In these times when so much popular music is a transient experience, John's songs plant their roots deep in the soul. He focuses on the things that make up the big picture for us all - in his words, "family, parents, children, relationships and the spiritual." The sound of his voice is warm and friendly, and his gift for incisive musical storytelling can move listeners to both tears and laughter. Johnsmith was winner of the prestigious Kerrville New Folk Award and a perennial finalist at Telluride's Troubadour competition.

"When I first heard John Smith my attention was captured by his sweet, earthy voice and fine craftsmanship, but what drew me in was his heart. It's clear that he's lived the pain in his songs and that his optimism is hope born of wisdom. That's a rare thing and a gift to all who hear him."

Tom Kimmel

"John Smith's songs always move me. They make me laugh, cry, dance or just sing along. He is one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I've ever met."

Lydia Hutchinson, The Performing Songwriter

"I don't know who this Johnsmith guy is. But after his album crossed my desk I feel like I do. His heartfelt, well-written songs casually slipped into my CD player and didn't want to leave...I do know this about Johnsmith...he's a guy who's made a great DIY disc, and whose songs deserve to find a wider audience through (and because of) it."

John Porter, The Performing Songwriter

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Kickin' This Stone

Johnsmith

Award winning songwriter Johnsmith has teamed up with co-producer Lloyd Maines of Dixie Chick fame to bring us this new folk, americana gem.

This record is a fine example of some great contemporary folk music. Its gently beautiful storytelling sung with a smooth and lovely voice. There's good reason that this artist has been performing on the

Award winning songwriter Johnsmith has teamed up with co-producer Lloyd Maines of Dixie Chick fame to bring us this new folk, americana gem.

This record is a fine example of some great contemporary folk music. Its gently beautiful storytelling sung with a smooth and lovely voice. There's good reason that this artist has been performing on the mainstages of folk festivals around the country!

There's a certain simple joy in the songs that comes from the fact that he seems sincerely in love with his craft. He strives to be a poet, a storyteller, an entertaining teacher, and he manages to do it all well.

Co-produced with Lloyd Maines (record producer and father of Dixie Chick Natalie Maines)with contributions from Darrell Scott, John Mock, Tom Kimmel, and many other great players.

"I feel like every time one of Johnsmith's songs gets heard a little healing happens to the world." Buddy Mondlock

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Break Me Open

Johnsmith

A fine blend of acoustic originals from folk, to bluesy, from celtic, to americana, from one of America's hardest working troubadors.

Johnsmith's fifth CD "Break Me Open,” recorded in Nashville, TN, includes a cast of acoustic music’s finest players including Darrell Scott, Tim O'Brien, Stuart Duncan, Byron House, Andrea Zonn, and even a special

A fine blend of acoustic originals from folk, to bluesy, from celtic, to americana, from one of America's hardest working troubadors.

Johnsmith's fifth CD "Break Me Open,” recorded in Nashville, TN, includes a cast of acoustic music’s finest players including Darrell Scott, Tim O'Brien, Stuart Duncan, Byron House, Andrea Zonn, and even a special appearance by Native American Grammy winner Bill Miller.

The songs on Break Me Open find John stretching his songwriting wings. Expressing the harder edges of life and love, these songs span a broad spectrum of genres from folk to blues, from gospel to Celtic. This collection ranges from the spiritual, poetic “Back to the Mystery” to the catchy, earthy “Silver Creek” to the touching tribute “Cold Cold Ground” and the soulful, bluesy title track, “Break Me Open”.

Here's what folks have to say about John and his music:

“Johnsmith is a songwriting machine. ‘Break Me Open’ is yet another well-crafted record. We love it.” ~Minnesota Public Radio, Morning Show

"John's plays and sings so well you almost don't notice how good his songs are. It's all there, and he's this nice regular guy you want to hang out with. Watch out, his music will sneak up on you." ~Tim O’Brien

.... growing, glowing reputation.... beautiful, high tenor voice, excellent guitar playing, and spirited, uplifting songs. His music is open-hearted, unpretentious, grounded in the personal, yet always accessible and universal. ~Sing Out! magazine

“. . . one of the most consistent writers of quality songs that I know.” ~Lydia Hutchinson, Editor Performing Songwriter Magazine

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Johnsmith's newest CD

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