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Reviews
Having been an “invisible” session player for most of my working career I was rarely mentioned in reviews and it wasn`t until I branched out as an acoustic “artist” that people started to write about my performances. With my various projects I`ve earned some fantastic write-ups and I believe they say more about what I do than anything I can write myself.
.... Absolute Mastery... Amazing... Astonishing... Astounding... Awesome... Blistering... Breathtaking... Brilliant... Cream of the crop... Dazzling... Enthralling... Great Entertainer... Incredible... Inspirational... Jaw-Dropping... Masterful... Mind-Boggling... One of the very best... Phenomenal... Seriously Talented... Sensational... Sickeningly Good... Spectacular... Spellbinding... Stunning... Terrific Player... Unmissable... Up there with the best... Wonderfull... World Class...
“Snipped” from various reviews
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TV appearance
The Musicians Channel 2005
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...he is just an amazing player of many styles and deserves every minute of his burgeoning success !
Chris Rockliffe, Promoter
...the venue fell into total silence for 30 minutes as the audience witnessed some of the best musicianship they are ever likely to see, original, brilliant, what more can I say? An absolute pleasure!
Stuart Avery, Fretnoise, Manchester.
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High Barn 2007
Photograph by Graham Poulton
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Pete Smith is a virtuoso in many styles including jazz, blues, folk and ragtime and his slick guitar work and keen sense of humour make an excellent evenings entertainment.
David N Whyte, Fingers-and-Thumbs Acoustic Guitar Society
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Isle of Man 2007
Photograph by Adrian Cowin
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Having you over here to play and your company were both an absolute joy, the gig was brilliant!
Jonathon Gollow, Promoter, Isle of Man
It was an absolute pleasure having you there. Your positivity and enthusiasm AND MUSICAL TALENT are much appreciated. You're wonderful.
Elaine Williams, Festival booking agent
Your gig at Brecon Jazz was one of the highlights of the festival. You seemed genuinely overwhelmed by the audience response but it was what you deserved... an inspiring performance.
David Shields, South Wales.
And what can we say about the final guest of the month, the superb guitarist Pete Smith? Frank Zappa once said that writing about music is like dancing about architecture… and it's about as hard trying to describe the astonishing virtuosity of what we heard that night. As much as it was about the music, it was also wonderful to see someone expressing such unadulterated joy while they were doing something they so obviously loved. Pete was joined by his new partner in music, Paul Martin; they kicked off with "Sweet Sue" and had the audience whooping with delight after the first number. What many people I'm sure don't appreciate is that Pete has a very funny line in introductions so he had us all laughing as well as sitting there open mouthed at the digital dexterity. Here's what a couple of the others there that night had to say:
"What a stunning night! I've seen some great guitarists but he is in a class of his own" Val Day
"Although all the fast, flashy stuff was terrific and hugely enjoyable, the highlights for me were the slower tunes. Their refreshing version of "Nuages" was wonderful and "Goodnight Irene" was genuinely moving."
Jonathan Waller
Those who came on 29th were privileged to hear as good a night of music as we'll hear in a long time - if you weren't there, you missed something really special.
Norman Wheatley, Warwick Folk Club
Your playing was immaculate and an inspiration!
John Littler, Headway Music Audio Ltd
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Fingers-and-Thumbs Nottingham 2006
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If you get a chance to see Pete Smith the Larrivee Clinician - feck me is he good - its scary
Frankscousin, Music Radar Forum
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With Roger Inniss, UK Larrivee Tour 2008
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An outstanding guitarist, a real treat.
Malc Gurnam, organiser of Bedworth Folk Club.
I have never heard a guitarist cover all the styles with such smooth alacrity.
Fraser Nimmo, Recording Artist
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With Mike Burney, Spain 2006
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Pete Smith is the best all round guitarist I've ever heard.
Kevin Braithwaite, Promoter.
Pete Smith has a style and delivery very much his own, but I welcomed the reminders of Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, Martin Taylor and other guitar greats.
Chris Tobin, Tump Music Club
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With Bass Supremo Roger Inniss at the London International Guitar Show 2008
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Pete is a consummate professional, and -- no exaggeration -- one of the best jazz guitarists I've ever heard.
Al Evans, Recording Artist. USA
We were blown away!
Ian Brown, organiser of the AGF UK Gathering, Hampshire 2007
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NEC 2007 with BOSE
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Every so often you hear someone play who reminds you of what the possibilities of an instrument can be, thats the reason Taylor get Pete Smith to go round showing what you can do with a guitar.
Wayne Myers, Conniptions.
You've been an excellent ambassador for our guitars, which I appreciate so much.
Bob Taylor, founder of Taylor Guitars.
Not shit.
Mark Smith, artist liason. Sound Technology
with John Buckley
On Saturday night we were lucky enough to witness the phenomenon of Pete Smith`s and John Buckley`s peculiar mix of thumb-picking-gypsy-bluegrass-jazz... Wise-cracking Smith & Buckley combine classical and jazz techniques to accomplish more on two acoustic guitars than some big-band orchestras.
Benji Bartlett. Guitarist magazine.
Their unique style of guitar playing is beautiful whether they are playing their arrangement of a standard or playing one of their originals, Their technical ability is superb, but more importantly, their musical artistry is sensitive to each piece they perform. Equally impressive is the way they work as a duo when it is obvious that they each possess the talent to be a soloist. Their respect and admiration for each other's ability is refreshing to see. I'm pleased to have Pete and John playing Taylor guitars and representing us in the UK.
Bob Taylor, Founder of Taylor Guitars
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With Bob Taylor, California 2005
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“You`ll be hearing a lot more of Pete & John (The Taylor Twins) in the future”.
Doyle Dykes. Champion Guitar Picker USA
You take your (musical) life in your hands going anywhere near Pete and John and their playing!! Not only can these guys really play (think Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and Tommy Emmanuel meet Django Reinhardt, Joe Pass and Wes Montgomery), but also Pete is one of the funniest men on the planet.... whatever you do, don't listen to their arrangement of Chopsticks...and don't say I didn't warn you......!! I'm still in therapy after their last visit south of the Watford Gap! If you run a gig anywhere - just book them and stand well back.
Bob Thomas (Silly Wizard)
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On tour with Doyle Dykes & Bob Taylor UK 2005
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...next up, double act Pete Smith and John Buckley saunter onto the stage, “Hello Windsor” says Pete, “ Los Angeles must be empty with so many beautiful people here tonight”. This banter is one of the things that sets their act apart from the thousands of other guitar geniuses kicking around. The other is Pete and John`s apparant great friendship. They play an inspiring and faultless mix of jazz, folk and bluegrass including a really stunning version of that old Geordie folk favourite, “When the boat comes in”. In between pieces, Pete launches off on rambling and hugely entertaining tales - usually at John`s expense. Especially entertaining is the story of a broken car, an AA man and a case of mistaken identity. They are so casual and almost self-effacing it belies the absolute mastery of their music.
Katalin Hanniker, Windsor Express 2005
Just to say that Pete Smith and John Buckley are superb guitarists would leave the story untold. Not only are they individually gifted musicians, but their combined talents will leave you spellbound. John Buckley movingly picks his way through jazz, folk and ragtime with a style that would leave you searching for the rest of the rhythm section. Pete Smith has a style and delivery very much his own, but I welcomed the reminders of Django Reinhardt, Barney Kessel, Martin Taylor and other guitar greats. The icing on the cake is their great sense of comedy timing. The chats between numbers are hilarious. Two really likeable fellas that should be on your 'must see' list.
Chris Tobin - The Tump Folk Music Club, Brinklow
PETE SMITH AND JOHN BUCKLEY grin their way onto the stage at The Runway and play guitar brilliantly. Brilliant is not a word to use too often but with these guys it fits. They chatted, laughed and had fun... plus some brilliant guitar playing. Some excellent arrangements of familiar tunes that had been taken apart and used to fantastic effect only added to Pete and John`s own material. It is difficult to explain how two acoustic guitars can produce so much rhythm, melody, pace and excitement, but they do. PETE SMITH AND JOHN BUCKLEY must be seen again and again to really appreciate how good they are.
Malcolm Evans
It`s easy to see why the accolades keep flooding in.
Allie Fox. String Jam Club, Galashiels
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Cambridge Folk Festival 2005
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Pete Smith and John Buckley are an instrumental guitar duo who proceeded to lay down the law with what can only be described as a monument to technical excellence. Those in the audience who knew a thing or two about guitar playing were over awed, gasping, panting and febrile.... really.
Where was that third guitar hidden? Their timings impeccable, a duo as tight as a whale sphincter who bounced seemingly effortlessly off each other, note perfect for the whole set. Kicking off with “Sweet Sue”, other numbers included the self penned “The Polishing Rag” through to a magnificent version of “Summertime” and even something for the folkies “When the boat comes in”.
Terrific and humorous banter in between numbers broke up the instrumentals well. In fact if truth be told, if you took away the music, you would have been left with an evening of great stand up.
Ian. Scragg end Folk Club. Leicestershire.
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Music Live at the NEC 2005
with Taylor Guitars
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The closing act was Pete Smith and John Buckley who were on their second visit. They are a hugely entertaining guitar duo with great performing empathy. Their guitar gymnastics are interspersed with humour with poor old John the butt of many stories. Great entertainment!
David N.Whyte. Fingers and Thumbs Acoustic Guitar Society. Nottingham
Pete Smith and John Buckley were without doubt one of the best headlines we've had at the club. So much so in fact, that we didn't really want them to finish!! The guys are true master class musicians and very funny too! They will be back at some point in the new year I'm sure.
Phil`s Acoustic Club, London.
People talk about tapestries of sound but this was more like the seven veils.... I’ve never heard such harmonies even from full orchestras...These guys need gigs, and should be famous...Worldwide!!! Anyone with the slightest interest in guitar playing as entertainment and bafflement and joy should make sure they see them. These guys are the Morecambe and Wise of stand-up guitar playing.
David Kilpatrick. Recording Artist / Folk Club organiser.
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National Forest Folk Festival 2005
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...for me, the highlight was Pete Smith and John Buckley. What a pair of players. Everyone should hear them play, a mixture of Django, straight ahead jazz, songs that just make you gasp in amazement about how good they both are. They did a 40-min set on Sunday night that was a pure joy to hear. .... we should spread the word. They REALLY are that good.
Nigel Tucker, MC. UK6.
I saw Pete & John at Cambridge folk club, fantastic banter and absolutely awesome playing, it was excellent to see such heavyweight talent being used in such a lighthearted way. A definite must see act for anyone who gets the chance.
Mal (Cambridge Folk Club)
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Stamford Guitar Festival 2005
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... a wonderfully entertaining evening of beautifully played music and stories... as a musician I loved it, as a guitarist - I hated the fact I could never be as good - and it would have been nice if one of them had broken out into a hint of a sweat with the effort of playing!! I would personally be happy to recommend them to any folk club.
Jon McNamara, “Stortfolk” Bishops Stortford
...a great gig...The genial presentation of the material was fab and right on the button, we'd be chuffed to have you back. On the basis of your performance I imagine your diaries will start filling up as word gets around. We'll certainly do that on your behalf.
Bob & Maggie Wood, The Ram Folk Club, Surrey.
WOW!!! that was something else... if a hardened traddie like me says he was enthralled for sets of 40 and 50 minutes then that is a recommendation indeed...thanks guys.
John “Breezy” Breeze. St Albans Folk Club
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East Midlands R&B festival 2002
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...then Pete and John – blistering solos and harmonies on standards and originals like you’ve never heard, all speckled with hilarious anecdotes of their travels. The lead darts back and forth giving them a breadth of opportunities to take the tune to inspiring places. The music and the tales bring grins all round. They never fail to please.
Alan Passey. Hulland Millenium Hall.
These guys are seriously talented and great entertainment.... book them!
Roger Moggs, organiser, East Midlands R&B Festival
…two of the finest guitarists on the scene.
Bernard Hoskins, Acoustic Routes, Cambridge.
Pete Smith and John Buckley provided three quarters of an hour of acoustic guitar mayhem and mirth. I'll try to get them back again soon ! "Close your eyes, suspend reality and its Django Reinhardt and Leo Kottke in concert at the Wheatsheaf"!
Charlie Cotterill, organiser, "The Soke." Wirksworth.
Pete Smith played Buxton Club Acoustic this Wed together with his duo partner John Buckley ...and they were simply stunning! These guys aren't pigeonholed into one style or any genre - they move around from jigs to Django, swing to baroque. Great entertainment, I was impressed. If you like acoustic guitar playing at it’s best these guys are simply phenomenal.
Chris Rockcliffe, Club Acoustic, Organiser.
...those guys are masters! Astonishing stuff, jaw droppingly good! I'm nearly speechless!
Jon, Wolverton Acoustic Club.
...I was stunned by your virtuosity. The sheer brilliance in your playing of those beautiful arrangements was truly awe-inspiring. I look forward to hearing you perform again at a London concert in the not too distant future.
Mr. Jay Tauben, Guild of Television Cameramen
Pete Smith and John Buckley are probably the most outstanding guitarists I have ever seen….. an exceptional duo.
Ronan Twoomey. Howth Club, Eire.
...they played with prodigious talent, fluidity and style. I can heartily recommend them to anyone.
Andrew Hay, Solihull Guitar Society.
...heading for a national reputation.
Tradmusic.com
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Shagged out after a long sqwark
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Quotes
…These guys have real talent". Ric Sanders. Fairport Convention
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Playing with Ric Sanders at The Boggery
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“They play more notes in a half hour set than usually get played at an entire four day folk festival.”
Fred wedlock.
“...Absolutley Brilliant!” Simon Fowler, Ocean Colour Scene.
“...****** fantastic” John Renbourne.
“...Flash Gits”. Rod Clements, Lindisfarne.
CD Reviews
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Internationally acclaimed, U.K. fingerstyle guitarists Pete Smith and John Buckley have delivered an acoustic, spirited romp with "Jack Spratt and all that..." Alternating between ragtime -- "Tiger Rag" and an arrangement of "All of Me," classic jazz -- "I Got Rhythm," and Django Reinhardt's "Nuages," traditional tunes, bluegrass and original material, this duo simmers and sizzles and offers up some of the finest acoustic guitar playing in years. Particular favorites include the duo's version of Sonny Rollins's "St. Thomas" with its beboppy calypso flair, and the Smith/Buckley original "When the Fog Lifts," which takes the listener on an unusual but pleasantly dynamic journey. Their version of the wistful, Ellingtonesque Reinhardt composition "Nuages" is also a treat. Competence, humor, and sheer musicality abound.
© Chip O'Brien. Minor7.com 2005
t's about time, I say. There were a couple of false starts on this, but with their debut CD, Pete Smith and John Buckley are finally giving in to their fans' requests for something to take home. These are two talented guitarists whose on-stage banter is as entertaining as their musical duets. No genre is excluded. They are adept at presenting jazz standards, variations on familiar tunes and renditions of traditional
songs. “Jack Spratt and All That...”, shows that Smith and Buckley can deliver the goods with humour, sensitivity and excellent guitar performances .
For this American who grew up with Saturday morning cartoons, “I Got Rhythm” is delightfully enhanced by a deftly inserted “Flintstones” theme song. John and Pete's knack for a bit of lightness comes through in “Chopsticks”, accomplished with a fine array of variations. I've never been that keen on “Dance to Your Daddy”, but Pete and John have given me a new appreciation for this traditional Scottish song. There are two original compositions; “The Polishing Rag” and my personal favorite, “When the Fog Lifts”. Smith and Buckley fans should be begging for more originals after hearing these. If you are love instrumental recordings, especially guitar, this recording should be in your collection.
D Cowan. Tykes News December 2004
This album, which came out at the end of 2004, is still the only one available for this duo, and that’s a great shame.
It’s a pity, too, because as you skim through the dozen numbers on the album, you are seduced by the way these guitarists work together, their fluency and musical quality. A pity, too, because they do not often come to our country. When I had a look at their website, I only spotted a single date for 2006, April 2nd at Bailleul. Those not able to attend this concert, therefore, will have nothing recent to listen to.
Lastly, what is also a pity is that amongst some lavish arrangements which they offer us on this CD are two self-penned numbers of the sort we would like to hear more often.
As far as their style is concerned, there is some quite traditional finger-picking and along with that go some indispensable ingredients: technical proficiency, flashes of humour and self-effacement, simplicity and eclecticism relating to the catalogue of songs they tackle.
In fact their arrangements revisit ‘St. Thomas’ by Sonny Rollins; the famous ‘Tiger Rag’ whose author is unknown; and even ‘Nuages’ by Django Reinhardt where their version of this classic of French guitar style reveals very well the ‘Ellingtonian’ side of the piece whether at the harmonic or melodic level.
To sum up, very good arrangements, quality writing and first -class interpretation are present. Those who will not be at Bailleul on April 2nd ( this music is played especially well live ) can console themselves by going to their website and buying the album.
Hubert Bayet. La Guitare.com 2006
Translation courtesy of Dr Sonja Strode.
with Chris Williams
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Windsor Arts Centre 2007
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There is no question that these are the best guitar duo anyone is likely to see.
Paul Walker, Promoter
To single out any one act would be unfair as they gave their all but many have commented on the sheer mindblowing musicianship of Sloveniens Terrafolk, the acoustic guitar pyrotechnics of Pete Smith and Chris Williams also scored and the obvious delight of seeing the legendary Dave Swarbrick appear and play so amazingly.
The Eastern Daily Press, Folk on the Pier 2007
Folk music roots were celebrated by skilful musicians such as Pete Smith with Chris Williams who encapsulated the enduring lure of folk music with their masterful performances.
North Norfolk News
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Cromer, Folk on the Pier 2007
Photograph by Chris Gill
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Brilliant twin-guitar stuff...played in the flickering light of a dozen burning guitars.
Graham, Vernon Arms Folk & Acoustic Club
Saw them at the Brecon Jazz Festival this year. The perfect Sunday lunchtime hangover cure! Music for a Found Harmonium was a festival highlight”.
Michael (Gilbytron) Youtube
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The High Barn 2007
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Their performance was more than spectacular!
Mark Holley, Sutton Acoustic Guitar Club
Absolutely first class, we were very lucky to have had you play for us.
Steve Darrington, organiser of Swannage Blues Festival
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The Cavern Club Liverpool 2007
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"We were privileged to have you join us and we've had some really great feedback as a result".
Mark Hillier, Presenter, Whittle FM
'Thank You' really doesn't come close to expressing our appreciation for last night...the lasting impression is of the level of enthusiasm you both show towards what you do - not only in performing but in imparting your vast knowledge in such a free flowing and selfless way!
Andrew Darbyshire, organiser of Acoustic Attitude Manchester
I haven't enjoyed anything as much since I saw Tommy Emmanuel live, thanks again for a GREAT NIGHT.
Rodney Brand, Headgate Theatre, Colchester.
Thanks so much to both you and Chris for a stunning gig, frankly I couldn’t believe my eyes or my ears – amazing and authoritative stuff and no mistake...you’ll be back!
Keith Kendrick, folk artist and organiser of “3 in the Round” concert series
Your performances at Acoustic Avalon with your new partner, Chris Williams, I found to be the beginning of a great partnership...lots of conversation between the two guitars - loved it!
Dave Kirk, MC Acoustic Avalon / Recording Artist
Wow !! Thank you guys for the most phenomenal evening.
Dazzling fingers dancing along the finger board, (or was that the mother of pearl dazzling us?) Seriously ..... Pete and Chris are great musicians who’s playing is an inspiration. An eclectic mix of music and light humour gave a relaxed evening enjoyed by all. Thanks again
Sairz, organiser of Redmile Acoustic Club
We were fortunate enough to have the company of Pete Smith and Chris Williams at our Folk Club tonight. Pete is an intensively precise finger style guitarist with a calm natural flair for jazzy folk with an uptempo beat. He is the talker of the two very ably accompanied by Chris who took the role on this occasion of rythmn and finger style guitarist suitably matched with advanced talent.
What a brilliant night! Recommended ***** out of five.
Helen Slater, organiser of Bacup Folk Club
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