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'.