We're in Brixton, the seaside town on the south coast of Devon,

and we're standing in the harbour watching the gulls feasting on the fish,

and the boats are surrounding us here, and it's a beautiful sunny day.

This used to be divided into two communities,

cow town up the hill where all the farming people lived,

and fish town down here where the Fisherfolk lived

and it's also famous for its annual pirate festival

when the whole town fills up with people dressed as pirates.

Fortunately we've missed that

but we are going to meet a swashbuckling guitar player, singer and songwriter

who grew up here in Brickson. The first thing you notice about John Smith is his beard and his swept up hairdo.

The second is his sheer brilliance as a guitarist, a talent which has made him much in demand as a collaborator from leading artists like

David Gray, Leanne La Havas and Joan Baez to name but a few.

The third thing you notice is his distinctive voice, once described as honey on gravel.

And the fourth is the haunting, beautiful songwriting that he produces.

John grew up here in Brixham and he's back here today to show us some of his old haunts.

John, I'm happy to see you.

Thanks very much for coming to meet us.

Nice. Are you first time here?

It's my first time in Bickson, definitely, yeah.

Come June, July, August, this place will be able to move on the harbour.

So you grew up here.

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