I started playing the guitar when I was nine years old. I actually wanted to play the banjo, but couldn't find a teacher in rural Hertfordshire so I started guitar lessons with the intention of switching to the banjo at a later date. Shortly after starting to play a neighbour introduced me to the Blues, and B.B King in particular. I still haven't quite got round to learning the banjo...
My style and music is influenced by the greats of the blues, funk, folk and beyond, and after years of playing many gigs in many styles, with many different bands and people, I was inspired by a three month stay in New Orleans to go out on my own, or at least under my own name, and pursue my own style and sound.
It's been a great few years, and I've been lucky enough to have supported the great Joan Armatrading on her two most recent tours, as well as Robert Cray, Jon Gomm, Matt Schofield, Wilko Johnson, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Stefan Grossman and Ian McCullogh. I've also recently shared the bill with Gordon Giltrap, John Etheridge, Paul Brett, Gareth Pearson and 'Tubular Bells' producer Tom Newman.
In late 2014 I released "The Ben Smith Sampler Vol. 1" and a both a live solo album and new full band studio album are scheduled for release later in 2015.
I'm also lucky enough to be friends with some wonderful instrument makers, and I'm proud to use and be endorsed by David Anthony Reid guitars, MacPherson guitars, Rees Electric Guitars, Hamstead Soundworks amplification, Vintage guitars, and G7th Capos.get in touch...
