Oct 10
29
1968 the woods
Named after a character in a Don Calhoun novel, Dando Shaft began as a five-piece folk-band formed in Coventry in 1968 and comprised of Kevin Dempsey ( guitar,vocals). Martin Jenkins (vocals, flute, mandolin,fiddle, guitar), Ted Kay (tabla,percussion), Roger Bullen (bass), and Dave Cooper (guitar,vocals).
Formed from the diversity of musical influences of the sixties and the folk revival. They took acoustic instrumentation and the folk roots tradition and created a unique sound of their own, high on musical dexterity and compositional ability.
Preferring to play ‘unplugged’ with none of the instruments electrically amplified, Dando Shaft initiated a unique mixture of acoustic folk with driving rhythms and impeccable inventive musicianship. Using acoustic instrumentation, clear vocals and delectable harmonies allied to complex and unusual yet melodic and lilting song structures.
The first album was released in 1970 on the Youngblood label, and gained a release in the US through the major MCA corporation. In October 1970, Dando Shaft acquired the services of a female singer, Polly Bolton from Leamington Spa, who had a pure and very expressive voice. Polly had previously sung with June Tabor.
A change of label to RCA’s short-lived Progressive imprint Neon in 1971 for the second album, Dando Shaft, followed by a release on RCA proper for the third, Lantaloon in 1972.
After the band split in the mid 1970′s Martin and Kevin had great success in the band Whippersnapper which also numbered Dave Swarbrick in its ranks. Polly Bolton in turn followed a spell out of the business by launching a successful solo career.
A reunion Dando album the critically acclaimed folk/jazz “Kingdom”1977 featured contributions from Danny Thompson Double Bass, John Stevens drums, Tommy Kearton keyboards, Paul Dunmall sax and Rod Clements Electric Bass.
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