Dear Friends…
It is with deep sadness we report to you all that on the afternoon May 17th. in Sofia Bulgaria, Martin left the stage. Strokes over past years had stopped him from playing, which was desperately sad. By this day his heart had enough. We have lost a great player on many instruments, a writer of hauting songs, a special voice and a friend. Our thoughts are with Kali and his family.
The funeral is Friday May 20th 1 p.m.(11 a.m. UK) In or near Varna. Rest easy Jenks, we miss you.
even through the darkest night.....
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“Solong Bert & Mart”
We remember also the writer of this song ‘Jackson C Frank’
Croonin in Jazz-Folk Heaven
Jackson C Frank 1943 - 1999
For me this is a most poignant recording. Bringing together two of my most valued musical influences with a songwriter who profoundly changed my life. Inspiring me to write songs and try to inspire others. Without Jackson maybe no Dando Shaft! I am reminded of ’67? sitting on the top deck of the Barge Club in Kingston, being taught how to hammer-on G to C, listening to Jackson telling me that if I wanted to play, the most important thing was to learn the “Magical Embrace”(pick it up every day) and seek the poetic in art. That night when he went down to perform, Paul Simon, Bert, Sandy, Carthy and others all shared the poetic magic, and it goes on.
Martin’s contribution to “Conundrum” and that period of work stands proud. Bert has astonished us all with his synthesis of musical forms, unique approach and authentic voice. Kev and I both changed to Gold Leaf cigarettes after seeing a packet on a Bert & John album. We called them the ‘play better guitar’ smoke•ƒ Having the good fortune to meet and spend a little time with him over the years one thing remains for me. Every time i saw him pick up a guitar he meant it. A fusion of haunting eloquence with raw twang, snap and roll power. Thanks to all the brothers and sisters on that finger busting path.
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Martin was so influential in my musical development when we played together in Hedgehog Pie. The most inventive musician I have played with and such a warm, lovely bloke. He’ll be sadly missed by many. My sympathy goes out to Kali and family.
So sad to lose Martin to somewhere else. The memories and the music of this lovely man will be around for a very long time!! Condolences to Martins family and all those close to him. x
To Martin’s loved ones, my most heartfelt condolences. If only for his passionate espousal of Bulgarian folk music years ahead of its finding favour among the world music cognoscenti, Martin’s reputation should be even greater than it is at present. To me, he was also a real mate, a true original and a massive influence on how I thought about music. So many memories of hilarious and musically exciting times with you, Martin: rest easy.
Martin was a fantastic musician and a good friend to fellow musos on the Coventry folk scene. Was wondering only recently what he was doing and hoping to hear that he might be back in the city for a reunion gig one day. Sadly that won’t happen, at least on this side of heaven’s door. RIP Martin.
Very sad news indeed. My thoughts are with his family
so sorry to hear.
please take our condolences.
One thing is for sure, he will live on through his music.
It is only a few days ago that we listened to the early Dando Shaft recordings, talking to each other how beautiful this music is….
I am so sorry to receive this news! Martin was such a great musician, great person and old friend. I had many good times with him in Coventry, times with much humour and passion. Particularly when we played at some Indian weddings!! He will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and close friends.RIP Mart.
Such sad news. My memories of Martin are of a warm, clever, funny man whose generosity of spirit and passion for music touched the lives of so many people around him. My love and thoughts are with Becki, Ray, Kalinka and all his family.
We have a provisional date for Mart’s Wake and Concert. It’s mid-end July. We hope to help enable Kalinka family and maybe Bulgarian musicians over for a mighty send-off. If you want to be involved send mail to info@dandoshaft.com
Extraordinary musician and talent. He lived for his music. I first sat on stage with Martin over 40 years ago. First heard ” Les Mystere de les voix Bulgares” with Martin in John Martin’s front room! Little realising that the lovely and wonderful Kalinka would one day be such an important part of Mart and Ray’s life. Cheerio Mart, you have left a great musical legacy and a mountain of friends and fans.
My recollections of Martin are few but memorable. He made what for me is one of the finest albums ever: Carry Your Smile and it still improves every time I play it. Fortunately, I got to meet him one night at the Red Lion Folk Club in Birmingham (in the post-Dave Swarbrick Whippersnapper days) and got to tell him just how much the album meant to me. He was a real gent and was pleased to talk about what was an ageing work of his even then. An outstanding musician and totally unique. A sad loss. Condolences to his family.
I was so saddened to hear the news. Martin was not only a marvellous musician and an amazingly talented multi-instrumentalist, he was a lovely, gentle, sensitive human being. The world is poorer for his loss; but those of us touched by his musicianship and humanity can feel privileged. My thoughts are with his family and close friends.
Not sure why I stumbled upon this site today of all days after not having heard the music for something approaching the neck end of 40 years but here I am. As a fan from long ago, really sorry to hear the news. There’s a really great band forming in that other place wherever it might be.
As well as Martin’s outstanding musical talent he was one of the most gentle and kindest men I have met. My thoughts lie with Ray, Kalinka and the rest of his family at this saddest of times xx
Martin always looked at life and music from the positive side and a spirit like his will be sorely missed in the music world. I have many good memories of working with him, both live and in the studio, he always had a new way of looking at things which opened the way for everyone else. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Martin was a unique musician and always convivial company, and it was both a pleasure and privilege to play with him. We were brought together by Bert Jansch for a Scandinavian tour in late 1976 (in a quartet along with Pick Withers on drums) and again as a trio in 1980. Since hearing of Mart’s passing I have been thinking of good times we shared, his inspirational musicality which lit up any situation he was in, and that lovely lilting voice we never heard enough of. I’ve been particularly reminded of his version of “The Parting Glass” that he sang on the Bert gigs, a song which always makes me think of Mart, and always will.
“Good night and joy be with you all.”
Reading Rod’s comment was particularly poignant – I wrote “Goodnight and joy be with you all” on my Facebook status last night after I heard the news. His version of “The Parting Glass” was fantastic (sounding oh so casual in swinging fives) and much as I’ve tried, I’ve never been able to do it.
A sad loss. Martin was the main inspiration for me taking up the mandolin.
All the things that should have been said, they’re still true. I always admired your indepent spirit, and determination to follow what you believed in, also envied your ability to play any instrument, obviously not in my genes! I miss you, but you will always live on in our memories. love to Ray and Becky, and Kalinka, we are here for you “whenever”
very sorry to hear of Martin’s passing.A really great musician and a truly great singing voice.may he rest in peace.
oh such sad news such a great musian a great loss to the music world devistated,
he’s in a good place respects from tamara schillinger orig. from the cov scene @ that time . my beast wishes to ronnie jenkins would like to be in touch with her again that is such sad news .rememberin ted @ this time
best wishes to every one in cov
blessings from Tam xxx so so sorry
I was lucky enough to see Dando in concert at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry, many moons ago, Martin was the driving force of the band, Rest in peace Martin, another light extinguished far too soon.
Spanning nearly two decades, our collaboration with Martin was a time of laughter, experimentation and, most of all, great music, which produced the worldwide hit album “Vulcheva-Jenkins Incident”.
His musicianship, great personality and sense of humour will be sorely missed. He created a musical bridge between British and Bulgarian music, as well as a new language – Bulglish.
We express our deep condolence to Martin’s family and friends.
Here are a couple of clips we made a few years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_E65UsHUKg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdkCrBBW47M
So sorry to hear this very sad news .
I saw Martin many times Dando Shaft ,Wippersnapper,Hedgehog Pie ,Bert Jansch and other times too
What a great player he was,and a good bloke .
Will miss him.
Pete Rimmer
Bothy Folk Club
Southport
Dear Martin,
Bless you for inspiring me so deeply alongside your sister and brothers; a long time ago now; in my heart its minutes.
Love and peace to you. Gillie.
You will be missed by so many, inspired mandolin and guitar player, and thoroughly sound bloke to boot. You should be in great demand in the great gig in the sky, may you rest in peace.
just cant believe it. such abeautiful soul has passed on. MARTIN WAS SO WONDERFULL. . WE HAD SUCH FUN TOGETHER IN IRELAND, WHEN HE VISITED . PLAYED SOME GIGS TOGETHER , MUCH LAUGHTER , HE GAVE ME CONFIDENCE . ALLWAYS IN MY HEART., SO MUCH LOVE TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS.,
He was a wonderful musician and a very funny man too, passionate about music, Life, everything. A sad loss.
I’m playing a track on the programme on 1st June. Would have done sooner but I’ve been in Ireland and this weeks prog was already in the can
A brilliant musician and a sad loss. My love to all the family. Rest in peace Martin
So there I was at a festival in Hinkley last night Sunday the 29th of May preparing for my appearance and sharing the bill with old friend Rick Wakeman. The whole mood of the day was light and fun filled. It was whilst chatting with my friend Rob Armstrong that Rob told me the news of Martin’s passing.
How deeply sad is this news. I have many memories of Martin and one in particular where I was producing his solo track for the Master Craftsman album, and Martin was using a box of matches for a percussive effect.It sounded fantastic along with his outstanding vocals and musicianship.
Like most of the truly great players I have met Martin was very self effacing and humble about his abilities,but be assured,this man was an outstanding Mandolin and Mando cello exponent as well as being a fine fiddle player AND composer. His contribution to some of Bert Jansch’s albums, Avocet in particular was exceptional.
I think it a tragedy than his talents(like so many great players here in the UK past and present) failed to get the recogition it deserved.
Martin was always a pleasure to be with, and although it had many years since we had spent time together,usually at Robbies house, I shall always remember with great fondness this giant of a musician. Our thoughts go out to his family at this very sad time.
Rest in Peace Martin.
Gordon Giltrap. May 30th 2011
Remember the early days of Dando Shaft and being gobsmacked and deeply envious of Martin’s apparently effortless musicianship.
Lost track of his career years ago, but still listen to that extraordinary first LP from time to time.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends – including Polly
RIP Uncle Martin! Your outlook and ethos on life is one that should be admired! I will always cherish the conversations we had and your words have had a profound impact on my life! Whilst I have lost an uncle my heart goes out to Kali who has lost a husband, Ray and Becky who have lost their dad as well as Elly Danny and Bradley!
Im sure your in another place entertaining another crowd!
You will be truly missed by many xxx
Only just heard – guess I’m a bit out of the loop here in Cornwall. I got to know Martin in Coventry in the mid sixties through my good friend, Ted Kay. He took over a Barras Lane flat I’d been living in, about the time Ray was born. Last time I saw Mart was when the Vulcheva-Jenkins Incident stayed with me while they were gigging down here. Anyway, loads of good memories of a lovely bloke and stunning music.
My thought are with Kalinka, Ray and Becky.
Only just heard this sad news. Great memories of seeing Martin at the old Freemasons Tavern in Hillfields, Coventry. RIP and condolences to his family.
A gentle talented bear and a beautiful beautiful voice.
God bless Martin,
Andy and Cathy
I also had the privilege of seeing Martin play a few times at the Freemasons Tavern, Coventry, with his band Quiet Riot. It was thanks to a glowing recommendation in the City Telegraph from Pete Willow. I recall great playing and singing that really inspired everyone there. It created an awareness of this countries folk tradition.
He really moved you, and surely that’s all you could wish for.
Thank you Martin.
Rest in Peace.
I’m from a later generation of fans and discovered Dando Shaft’s second album after a mate bought it in a charity shop. I didn’t know Martin and never saw the band play but that album and all the others I picked up over the years remains amongst my favourite music. Magical songs filled with real passion. He must have been a great guy. A sad loss.
Only just heard about this. So sad, was hoping there’d be a Shaft reunion one day. Such a key player in the history of Coventry music amongst other things. RIP
Can anyone tell me the date of the memorial concert
Hi Eddie, just spotted your post. The concert is this Saturday, 24 Sept at the Bulls Head, Binley Road, Coventry. Full details including links to reserve or buy a ticket are on http://dandoshaft.com/shaft/221 – hope you’ll be able to make it.
Only found out today. I fell in love with Dando Shaft music when I was a teenager hoped one day to make enough money to get (most) of them together again, one last time.
Sadly never made the money (not a banker you see) and now with Martins death, that dream is well and truly dashed.
Never met him, but from everyones recollections here, a truly good man.
I only learnt this sad news today ?((>
Recently I found a letter written to me in the 1970s from Aberystwyth when my boyfriend [who eventually became my husband], told me of the great band he had seen called ‘Dando Shaft’. Little did he know that we would become interested in the variations of groups with whom Martin who work.
I lit a candle for the ‘Whippersnapper’ guys from the very first evening I saw them, I think it was at Byfield. From then on I was hooked. It was great when Kev., Martin and Chris kept the group together when Swarb left for pastures new, so much so that during the year I became 40 my husband and I saw as many gigs as possible across England, including Exeter Folk Club: where my spaniel slept under a chair only coming out to bark when they played one particular noisy song! At the gig in Banbury nearest to my ‘big’ birthday – so many years ago now: Chris read out a ‘happy birthday’ message from the Stage. I remember the huge hug from Martin when my husband and I turned up at Donnington Park. He will be sadly missed.
Just found out the sad news today while surfing the net. We, (Ken Nickless, Colin Bagley and Tony Dixon and of course Martin) were lucky to be in the original group “The Invaders” who regularly played at the Newlands Hotel in Coventry in the late 50′s and early sixties. Even then his raw talent was plainly obvious. We lost touch and although living in New Zealand and Australia for the last fifty years I was able to get in contact with him a couple of years ago and renew old friendships. Colin was fortunate to see him play in Falmouth I think early last year. We will not forget Martin.
So sorry to learn of Martin’s passing.I heard the group’s session on John Peel’s radio programme and years later I was so pleased to find a compilation album of their music.Breathtaking songs and musicianship- a great comfort to a lonely student far from home.
Just found out that Martin has passed away last year very sad news and a sad Loss to the World of British Folk Rock, I have followed Martins Career through Dando Shaft, Whippersnapper, and with Bert Jansch..the man has been on some incredible recordings, I have see him a few times especially with Whippersnapper and always found him to be a most approachable and friendly man, and a consummate Musician.
RIP Martin you will be sadly missed.