DANDO SHAFT 1971 and 1993

 

DANDO SHAFT 1971 and 1993

by Pete Clemons

I have written several articles about Dando Shaft over the years. So this one can be seen as a companion to the others as it brings nothing new, as such, but adds a bit more to the previous stories. The fact they were from Coventry is incidental but I genuinely enjoy hearing them. They were very unique and, in a strange way, very uplifting.

The words below are self explanatory and cover a couple of local gigs that the Dando's appeared at.

1971 – Warwick University

Dando Shaft were the group featured in last Monday's concert at Warwick. They originated in Coventry seventeen months ago and are now based in Ealing and are at present recording their second album (on RCA).

Unlike most of the other groups who have played these concerts, they were a folk band who played numbers varying in style from Irish Jigs to Pentangle type numbers Many instruments are included in the line up violin, mandolin, cello mandolin, flute (all played by Martin Jenkins), guitars (Kevin Dempsey and Dave Cooper), double bass (Roger Bullen) and various types of percussion (Ted Kay). Polly Bolton sings, along with Martin, Dave and Kevin.

Dando Shaft write their own material, including some impressive songs such as 'Railway' and 'Waves on the Ether', as well as various 'Come all-Ye numbers such as 'Daffodil' and 'Pass it on'.

They seem to lose the folk tag to some degree in some of the instrumental passages in their songs, acquiring a slight but noticeable rock feel, contrasting quite pleasantly with the more 'straight' aspects of the music.

Some of their songs (such as 'Shadows', dedicated to P.C. Bust and friends) combine antique tune lines with amusing words in a contemporary style. The workroom proved itself quite an unsuitable place to present a folk concert and I thought the Monday night concerts were rock concerts anyway ?

However, Dando Shaft's music was generally relaxing enough to compensate.

1993 - Whitefriars

For the record. This 'Whitefriars' reunion gig in 1993. Lineup was: The original dandoist Roger Bullen on bass, Martin Jenkins on Mandocello plus other instruments, Kev Dempsey on stratospheric guitar. Ted Kay tabla..., Chris Leslie zeta violin. Polly Bolton singing. Dave Cooper guitar and vocals.

There were a number of guest performers; Gillie Nicholls, Kalinka Vulcheva and Rod Felton. The video of 'Raining on the Rock' is Dave and Kev vocals. Rod is playing percussion. rain sticks. Dando Shaft were also joined by Dave Cooper's son, Selvin Cooper, on Didge for the song.

Dave Cooper adds: 'I'm aware that stories and dare I say myths appear and swirl. To my knowledge Rod Felton never performed with Dando Shaft apart from the Whitefriars occasion. Maybe he called up once or twice in the early Cov scene days to harmonise a chorus? When the band parted in '73. Mart tried to form a new group with Ted, Roger Williamson and Billy Bones our ex Roadie bass player. There was some talk of Rods involvement. In the event it didn't really happen no gigs. Rod was and will always be in my heart and soul'.

Tony Clarke on Quad 1970

 

Tony Clarke on Quad 1970

by Pete Clemons

Where things were with regard to audio in 1970. With us now in the digital age, and listening to music via anything from mobile phones to Atmos or even Spatial systems,

In a way that Steven Wilson and Bruce Soord try to today. Not only do they create music but they endeavour to present it the best way they can.

I think this is a lovely nostalgic trip back in time with Moody Blues producer Tony Clarke........

The inevitability of Quad Sound in the immediate future - we hope to make the next Moody Blues album available in this form - and 'Audio Visual' techniques are as certain to be a reality as 'iron ships will never float' and 'you'll never get me up in one of those'.

Two or three years ago we would go into a recording studio with only four track systems available, but in a very short time this has escalated to 16 and in some cases 24 track studios which present infinite possibilities for separation and mixing.

The 'spin-off' from the improvements and equipment in the studios is subsequently reflected in the devices made available to the public who are now demanding more sophisticated forms of audio appreciation. The most important aspect for the stereo enthusiast is to avoid buying expensive equipment which might be outmoded the next year by the revolutionary new techniques being evolved.

Quad sound is only months away from a massive launch by the suppliers who are providing the equipment and lends a new dimension to present stereophonic systems. The dinosaurs of this development are likely to become the radiograms which can never provide the width separation with their self contained speakers, but Quad Stereo will provide depth width and, if you think about it, a complete circle of sound.

All this could be quite expensive to the consumer but there is one development which could be a considerable saving to those contemplating throwing their stereo players or stereo amps out of the window. But the simple addition of a small device called a 'phase modulator' which you should be able to purchase for just a few pounds. It is possible to produce an effective version of the 'Quad Sound' system with the addition of two matching speakers and your old system. It is really nothing more than a little black box with a few resistors but it does the job.

Within a year we should see the development of an audio-visual product which is being developed along four basic lines:

1. Sound and picture from a disc
2. Sound and picture video tape cassette
3. Sound and picture from a tape cartridge
4. Sound and picture from a 16mm film

The most likely of these would appear to be the cassette or cartridge although some companies are experimenting with the disc. But this has proved limited related to playing time so far.

A 12 inch disc, for example, will only play 12 minutes. The amount of information needed to provide both a colour film and quad sound would relate better to a tape cartridge. All of these techniques would involve modification of a TV set, and one company have declared their intention of retailing such a set as their new model next year for approximately £200.

We are continually being informed of a 'golden age'. The public are going to become more critical and selective over their play machines and ultimately there must be increased activity resulting in more sophisticated and refined equipment.

Tony Clarke's own equipment consists of a B&O 1000 deck with Sanyo 60 watt stereo amplifier and 4 Wharfedale 15 inch speakers with mid range and tweeters.