When Joan Armatrading launched her 'Local Talent' search for acts to support her on tour

in 2012, she was looking for original artists from all over the UK to showcase their work.

Ben Smith and Jimmy Brewer were two of the acts chosen, and in 2015 she called them

back to support her again on her first ever solo tour. They met each other at an industry

showcase that was organised by Joan, and started writing together at the suggestion of

some publishers they met there.

They originally intended to just write together, but after realising that they had a natural

affinity for each others styles they soon decided to start playing live too, and their first

gig as a duo was supporting Joan in November 2015 in front of a thousand people.



Jimmy's inspiration for his song-writing career came from his desire to move beyond his

rural upbringing and follow in the footsteps of the musicians who shaped his interest in

playing as a young child, including The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and The Everley

Brothers.



Ben has also been writing and playing from an early age, and despite his original desire

to learn the banjo being thwarted, he threw himself into the guitar in an effort to emulate

his musical heroes: BB King, John Martyn, Jerry Reed and the Grateful Dead.

Their eponymous debut E.P showcases their songwriting, close harmony singing and

guitar style, and is available online through all major download and streaming services.

Isabella

Acoustic/Americana

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