A journey through the American wilderness led to the Hunter folk singer’s 2010 debut record Grey Cap Times.

He returned to Australia, graced us with some emotive and captivating performan­ces, and then turned his sights to Canada.

Lowe stayed there for two years, where he was embraced by a small community.

“The highlights for me, apart from all the wondrous memories I have of so many ­magical evenings performing for the folks over there, is the beautiful community I was so honoured to become a part of in the City of Victoria on Vancouver Island,” Lowe says.

“That’s where I spent the bulk of my two years away. 

“The very dear friends I have made there have been the true highlight to me I feel.”

It’s no surprise that Lowe’s music touched the people of Canada as much as those on his home soil.

His restless and worldly debut album, inspired by both nature and the autobio­graphy of troubadour Woody Guthrie, had the earthy and evocative tones of 1960s ­luminaries from Greenwich Village.

A sound proved to have lasting universal appeal.

“I had reached a point where I felt it was necessary to take a leap of faith and take the music to a new place,” Lowe says.

“Canada had always called me. 

“Even throughout my adventures through many states of America I had always been drawn to Canada, by instinct really and by the majesty of its nature. 

“And the visas happened to work out well also.

“Being the land of my heroes, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, it all felt meant to be.

“So I left for what I thought would be a year at the most, and I lived there for two years.”

In Canada, Lowe, an original member of folk-rock group Benjalu, got to meet one of his aforementioned heroes.

“After my first two months living in Vancouver, where I begun my time in Canada, I needed to break away and centre myself, as the city was getting to me,” Lowe explains.

“So I headed north to a place I knew to be stunning in its natural wonders. 

“But even though it was primarily a ­journey for the soul, I knew that Joni ­happened to live somewhere up there. 

“And, to cut a long story short, I found myself in a kayak one day, paddling north in the midday summer sun, when I was entranced by a very mystical place, where I lingered for a while. 

“Upon almost leaving I stopped by this place to ask an older man the time, who was working in the garden. 

“And just as I said ‘so long’ and began on my way, Joni Mitchell came walking out of this building. 

“So although totally awe struck, and terrified, I had to make my way back after dreaming of such a chance for so many years. 

“We then talked for around 20 minutes of our affinity of being painters since we were children, our birthdays being a day apart as we’re both Scorpios, and of performing in open ­tunings, among other things. 

“And I’ll never forget when she looked at me with the most warm and beaming smile, and sparkling eyes, and said ‘Oh, so we are of kin then.’ 

“After that little while her new dog came barking at me, and so I figured I’d get going on my way.”

Since his 2010 debut, Lowe has not stopped writing.

He is preparing to make a fourth album, which he will record back in Canada.

“After some very difficult changes in my personal life, and after having­ ­created the music mostly in those ­wondrous times in Canada, I know this will be my best work yet. 

“I am due to record it in Canada with a dream team of musicians including Ruth Moody of the internationally acclaimed The Wailin’ Jennys.

“And right now I am still promoting my 2012 self-titled album, which I took to Canada the day after I picked up the copies from the print shop, so this album is still completely new for Australia.”

Lowe performs a free show tonight at the Grand Junction Hotel.

It is not to be missed, as you can be assured that he will not stay home for long.

Jason Lowe plays the Grand Junction on Thursday night and the Lass O'Gowrie on Saturday night.