“Ian Smith, superb guitarist, singer and songwriter. Has been touring and performing in Ireland, Scotland, UK and all over Europe, USA for the past 30 years. 3 Album of the year nominations -“Irish Music Magazine”. [“Trad Magazine ,France], which also voted him in the top ten albums of the year alongside such artists as Neil Young ]. “Le Peuple Breton” [Brittanny] For his “A Celtic Connection” Album Check It Out!
Influences from John Martyn, Dick Gaughan, Archie Fisher, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan,Jackson, Browne, in the mix coupled with his own Superb/Unique Guitar Playing, A Great Voice, coupled with witty and informative stories of really well crafted songs = A shared musical journey well worth taking!
Ian Smith is not one who sings his own praises but the story goes that the great Garth Brooks had one of his CD’s on constant play in his automobile.
Described by Tony Arata, Who wrote “The Dance “ for Garth Brooks as a “True Poet”
He uproots every so often to undertake overseas tours through the U.K., Europe and the United States sharing song writing duties with some of America’s finest components in, for instance, the musical heartland of Nashville.
In Great demand as a writer/co-writer he’s written with some of the best writers in the business. IE Grammy Award Winning Marcus Hummon [Bless the Broken Road—Rascall Flatts, Cowboy Take Me Home,-Dixie Chicks], Lee Roy Parnell[On The Road, Holding My Own “Top 10 Country Charts] Thomm Jutz[Nanci Griffith,] Two cuts on the Historical 1861 project charting the Irish/Scottish connection in the American Civil War]. On the Home front has songs cut with Cathy Jordan “Dervish” With the Album Title song “Calling Me Home” . Altan[ Far Beyond Carrickfin] Teresa Horgan Album Title Song “Brightest Sky Blue”.
Has performed/supported and toured with Darrell Scott, Tim O Brien, Kevin Welch. John Martyn, Paul Brady, Eddi Reader, Sharon Shannon, Capercaillie. To name but a few.
Highly respected on both sides of the Atlantic as “The Real Deal” Check him out [Preferably Live] if you get the chance.
There are huge numbers of performers on the circuit and many more in the audience line-ups who know that the singer-songwriter who believes that Donegal should have been his birthplace is the ultimate man of music.