DANDO SHAFT

GIVING SHAFT

Ditching electric instruments, Dando Shaft nonetheless radiated the same level of energy as other British electric folk bands like Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. Propelled by Ted Kay's hand percussion and Roger Bullen's double bass, the Coventry group created a sound marked by intricate patterns and complex textures. Formed as a five-piece group, Dando Shaft initially featured the melodic interplay of guitarist/vocalist Dave Cooper and Kevin Dempsey and mandolin/violin and vocalist Martin Jenkins.

Releasing their debut album, An evening with Dando Shaft, in 1970, Dando Shaft added Leamington-born vocalist Polly Bolton, who had previously sung with June Tabor, before recording their second album, Dando Shaft, in 1971. While Bolton added the influence of Bulgarian music, sales of the band's albums remained disappointing. After recording their third album, Lantaloon, in 1972, the group disbanded.

After the end of Dando Shaft, Jenkins went on to play with ex-Fairport Convention violinist Dave Swarbrick in Whippersnapper, while Bolton embarked on a solo career. Although the band reunited to record an album, Kingdom, in 1977, it failed to deliver the expected commercial breakthrough and its members went their separate ways.