The ShortListen: Ethan Johns (no. 180)

Who? Ethan Johns

What’s the story? Much like Nile Rodgers, you may not necessarily know his name, but it's unlikely that you've managed to get through your life without hearing a song that's connected with Ethan Johns. His production list is, to put it mildly, impressive, including Kings of Leon, Paul McCartney, Ray LaMontagne, Ryan Adams, Kaiser Chiefs, Rufus Wainwright and many more - in fact, he's recently produced the latest album from Tom Jones. However, he still likes to cut loose and do his own stuff, with this title track being the first to emerge from his third solo album, Silver Liner, which he's recorded with The Black Eyed Dogs on backup. It's a glorious slice of laidback Americana, hugely reminiscent of Crosby, Stills and Nash (another act he's worked with) and the Roger Waters end of Pink Floyd's output. By the end of this, any troubles you might have will have floated away. Soak it in and be sure to check him out when he tours the UK in November and December.

For fans of: Crosby, Stills & Nash, Pink Floyd, Ray LaMontagne

In three words: Laidback Americana Acoustica