John Smith + Eden Ley

John Smith returned earlier this year with his third studio album, the sparsely beautiful Great Lakes. For many years John has focused on his abilities as a guitarist, performing most regularly as a member of Lisa Hannigan‘s band. Occasionally John would come out to play the odd gig, including a few with his hero John Martyn, and self release his albums quietly. Over the last few months, however, John has had little choice but to concentrate on his own songs.

Having supported Richard Hawley on tour through December 2012 and completed a very successful March headline tour (including a sold-out show at London’s Purcell Room) John will play a second London headline show at London’s grand Union Chapel this November. He has also recently supported Iron & Wine at The Barbican and Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, and is opening for Ben Howard, a huge fan of John’s, at the Hammersmith Apollo for two shows in June.

This is a rare chance to catch this incredible guitarist in the relatively small confines of the Brudenell Social Club – his first visit to Leeds for many years.

‘The playing style he adopts may cause your jaw to hit the floor… he has all the flair for the gathering storm that made Jeff Buckley so attractive… one hesitates to mention Nick Drake but well, one already has done’ – Word

Opening the show is Eden Ley, a singer/songwriter from Camberwell, London. His music is mostly piano-based and could be described as ‘dark pop’ with influences ranging from 50s swing to Talking Heads. Eden will be performing a few select shows around the UK towards the end of 2013 as he works towards his debut EP release in February 2014. He’s been working with a number of producers including Grammy-nominated Tim Gordine and Brett Shaw (Daughter, Ghost Poet). Expect to be catapulted back to the 50s.

Price: £10 adv
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