Dando Shaft

Dando Shaft, named after a character in a novel by Don Calhoun, began as a five-piece folk-band from Coventry, United Kingdom in 1968 and comprised of Kevin Dempsey (acoustic guitar/vocals). Martin Jenkins (vocals, mandolin/fiddle/guitar), Ted Kay (tabla/percussion), Roger Bullen (bass), and Dave Cooper (guitar/vocals). They took acoustic instrumentation and folk roots and created a unique sound of their own, high on musical dexterity and compositional ability. Their three albums from the early 1970's An Evening With Dando Shaft, Dando Shaft and Lantaloon each unveiled a rich imagination and a fertile plot of musical integrity.

Preferring to play 'unplugged' with none of the instruments electrically amplified, Dando Shaft initiated a unique mixture of acoustic folk with driving rhythms and impeccable inventive musicianship. Using acoustic instrumentation, clear vocals and delectable harmonies allied to complex and unusual yet melodic and lilting song structures they inhabited the land occupied by Pentangle, Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, The Natural Acoustic Band, Spirogyra and Tir Na Nog, yet there was also something special about Dando Shaft.