John Smith, whose name is being dropped in all the right places at the mo, is over in April for a decent-sized Irish tour that takes in the Roisin Dubh, Galway (April 11); De Barra’s, Clonakilty (12); The Pavillion, Cork (13); Spirit Store, Dundalk (14); Whelan’s, Dublin (17) and Bourke’s Bar, Limerick (18).

Born in Essex but of a dark Americana disposition, Smith has a new album, Great Lakes, ready to go on March 22, which is a thing of understated beauty. He gets extra marks for having a magnificent beard ‘n’ moustache combo, which is the envy of many a Hot Press male and a couple of the ladies too!