Dando Shaft

Forsaking electric tools, Dando Shaft nevertheless radiated exactly the same degree of energy as electric English folk rings like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Course. Driven yourself percussion and standup bass, the Coventry-based group produced a sound designated by complex patterns and complicated textures. Formed like a five piece group, Dando Shaft originally highlighted the melodic interplay of guitarist/vocalists Dave Cooper and Kevin Dempsey and mandolin/violin participant and vocalist Martin Jenkins. Launching their debut record, An Evening With, in 1970, Dando Shaft added Leamington Spa-born vocalist Polly Bolton, who acquired previously sung with June Tabor, before documenting their second record, Dando Shaft, in 1971. While Bolton added the impact of Bulgarian music, product sales from the band’s albums continued to be disappointing. After documenting their third record, Lantaloon, in 1972, the group disbanded. Following demise of Dando Shaft, Jenkins continued to try out with ex-Fairport Convention fiddler Dave Swarbrick in Whippersnapper, while Bolton embarked on a single career. Though it reunited to record an record, Kingdom, in 1977, the record didn’t deliver the hoped-for industrial breakthrough as well as the associates of Dando Shaft proceeded to go their separate methods.