An acoustic musician who has played to audiences all over the world is bringing his latest show to Durham.

Guitarist John Smith, who has played with acts including David Gray and Cara Dillon, will perform at Gala on Sunday, 4 February.

Smith’s unique take on love and loss combined with his innovative guitar work have won him a loyal following, with critics comparing his voice to the likes of John Martyn and Ray Lamontagne.

John plays a rumbling fingerstyle of guitar and uses a variety of open tunings and percussive techniques, sometimes playing the guitar on his lap, sometimes detuning mid-song. His shows have brought crowds to pin-drop silence and rapturous applause.

After playing in the pubs of Liverpool while at college, Smith first made his name on the folk circuit opening for acts including Davy Graham and has since released five records, most recently Headlong in 2017.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7.30pm, cost £15 and are available from www.galadurham.co.uk or by calling the box office on 03000 266600.