Artist Information
Biography
“He’s as comfortable with a 6-string in his hands as he is penning story songs in the vein of Steve Goodman and John Prine”
- Peter Heckbert, The Daily News
“Combine the James Taylor, John Prine, and John Denver, add a smooth soulful voice, and you’ll have a feel for John Simms’ music” - fan review
In 2004 John Simms was inducted into the Nova Scotia Country Music Hall of Fame as a member of the NS Ramblers. He has been called “a gentle soul with a gentle sound.”
Growing up in rural Colchester County just outside Truro, Nova Scotia gave John a deep appreciation and respect for the important things in life, like family, friends and nature. This he conveys eloquently in the lyrics of his songs.
His affable personality, clever sense of humour, and willingness to share the spotlight to showcase others has led to his hosting many festivals and shows as well. The Truro Tulip Festival, The Annual Blueberry Harvest Fest Kitchen Party (a 3 day festival in downtown Truro), and The Maritime Acoustic Music Festival in Kempt Shore Nova Scotia are just a few such events. He also produces and hosts a series of songwriter circles called Share the Music which he composed the theme song for, Share the Music ©2008.
Over the years, he has performed at many well-known venues including the Music Room, and Stayner’s Wharf in Halifax NS, as well as many festivals like The Stan Rogers Festival and The Maritime Acoustic Music Festival, often sharing the stage with performers such as Valdy, Ron Hynes, Bruce Guthro, Dave Gunning, Matt Anderson, Terry Kelly, Charlie A’Court, and many others. This has earned him the respect of other artists, and the adoration of many fans from around the world for his musicianship, songwriting skills, and humble disposition.
He continues enchanting audiences large and small with his smooth guitar playing, heartfelt lyrics and relatable and humorous stories, both as a solo artist as well as fronting The John Simms Trio. Suited perfectly for (but certainly not limited to) festivals, “listening rooms”, and private shows, his music, with its infectious melodies have fans humming his tunes long after the spotlight has dimmed.
With festivals booked, shows planned and the anticipation of returning to the studio nipping at his heals, this promises to be a banner year!
Instrumentation
Solo Performance - Vocal, Gibson acoustic guitar
John Simms Trio - 3 part harmony, Gibson acoustic guitar, Bass, and Percussion.
Discography
John has a theory about recording; " I just want to wait till the timing feels right....not the timing of the music, but in my life"
He has released an acoustic Ep as a sample of what he has in his portfolio, but has always waited for the right time in his life to work on his first full length recording.
But he has never let the lack of having a cd to sell slow him down any!
He now feels the time has come and is working diligently with The John Simms Trio preparing to record his debut full length Cd.
He has however contributed to several recordings by other artists.
2008 ~ John Simms - 7 song acoustic EP of originals
2007 ~ Steve Wright - mandolin / octave mandolin
2006 ~ Tanya Fowler - Compilation Cd - mandolin
2005 ~ Catherine Lawrence - I See God Everywhere - mandolin
2005 ~ Cabin Fever - John worked with the Cabin Fever Band and Dave Gunning to record "Strangers Tonight" and contributed it to the project as the last track on the Cd.
Links
Video
Photo Gallery
-
Stage shot
-
Stage shot
-
Teaching Songwriting Workshop with Ron Hynes
-
Songwriter's Circle
-
Stanfest 08
-
Stanfest 08
-
Stanfest 08
-
Promo
Download print quality (high-res) version -
john lll
-
john lll
Press
-
Simms taking next step in musical career
[+ Show ]
TRURO – John Simms spent last weekend in Fredericton, N.B. to do a little networking and performing ...
Setlist
Set lists vary depending on the venue. John prefers to feature his own original material, however he is proficient at adding cover songs by artists such as Cash, Prine, James Taylor, Marshal Tucker Band, Simon and Garfunkel, Everly Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, Willy Nelson, or even Tennessee Ernest Ford.
Regardless of what or who he is singing, he captures the attention and hearts of his audiences whether at a festival, in an intimate setting such as a house concert or private show, a lounge/pub setting, or soft seated theatre setting.
