Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012

Subject: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 08:54 AM

Just to let all you fans of American traditional and old-time music know that my old friend Jeff Davis - singer, fiddler, banjo-player, mandocello-meister and guitarist extraordinaire - will be over in the UK for a tour in February.

He starts off at Cheletenham Folk Festival, with a solo concert and several appearances with yours truly, including the debut of our special presentation Sharp's Appalachain Harvest

From there he zigzags across the country between the North, the South Coast, the West Country and London. I'll be joining him for a couple of duo concerts along the way and quite probably turning up at his more Northerly solo gigs as well.

Tour dates as follows:

Feb 10-12: CHELTENHAM Folk Festival

Feb 13: STOCKPORT, Midway Folk Club

Feb 16: LEWES, http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/

Feb 17: BODMIN, Masons Arms http://www.bodminfolk.co.uk/

Feb 19: KINGSBRIDGE, Crabshell Concerts (with Brian Peters)

Feb 22: UPPERMILL (near Oldham), Cross Keys

Feb 23: DERBY, Horsley Woodhouse Old Oak Concerts (with Brian Peters)

Feb 24: LONDON W1, The King and Queen Musical Traditions Club

Feb 26: WALTHAMSTOW, Old Rose & Crown Folk Club

Feb 29: SOWERBY BRIDGE, Ryburn Three Step

A few reviews to whet your appetite...

"One of the outstanding performers of the American folk revival.... Jeff has a lovely lived-in voice and he ranges widely through the many strands that make up the American tradition whilst providing exquisite accompaniments on banjo, mandocello, and guitar…. one of the finest old-time fiddle players"
fRoots (UK)

"A fine interpreter of traditional song"
Sing Out! (USA)

"Whether singing or playing, Jeff Davis' work oozes class and commitment …. He has deep understanding and love of his material and lets those qualities show through in performance"
The Living Tradition (UK)

"When Jeff Davis sings the repertoire of the Appalachian Mountains, he cuts through decades and across borders, sitting us right down in the dirt in front of a weather-beaten shack, at the feet of a hillbilly singer - he combines authenticity and art in a rare way."
The Chronicle Herald, Nova Scotia

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 09:22 AM

Sorry - that should have read:

Feb 16: LEWES, Royal Oak Folk Club

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Will Fly
Date: 25 Jan 12 - 09:54 AM

Excellent - the Lewes gig's now in my diary!

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Vic Smith
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 05:44 AM

Associated with Jeff's appearance at the Royal Oak in Lewes:-

* Hear Jeff singing The Bold Privateer by clicking here

* See a video of Jeff playing a superb version of Pretty Polly by clicking here

* Read a biography of Jeff by clicking here

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: GUEST,Enfield/Swindon Pete
Date: 26 Jan 12 - 06:19 AM

Looking forward to seeing you at Cheltenham FF 2012 - can't wait - one of the highlights of the folk calander for me. Oh - it's half term as well - so relax and learn some new songs/tunes.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 27 Jan 12 - 05:44 AM

Jeff's Website

Lots more great Youtube clips linked from the 'Videos' page.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 08:50 AM

Jeff got past the border guards today and is safely ensconced in Glossop. Next stop Cheltenham!

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Vic Smith
Date: 07 Feb 12 - 09:29 AM

Lots of phone calls and emails about his appearance in Lewes on 16/02. No advance tickets, but be in the pub by 7.30 and you are sure to get in.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 14 Feb 12 - 06:37 AM

Jeff started his club tour at The Midway in Stockport last night. Yes, I suppose the booking should really have come halfway through the tour.

Anyway, it got off to a flying start. Jeff was supported by Brian Peters and an audience who willingly accompanied him in all the choruses, and even joined him on stage for a tune. Great residents too, including the shy and retiring Grant Baynham!

Jeff now sets off south to meet the challenge of the English winter weather.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 14 Feb 12 - 07:21 AM

Jeff was indeed brilliant last night at the Midway last night.

John Keoghley had the task of starting the night off. As always he laid the solid foundation for a good night. Local duo of Michelle Holding and Bonz followed and showed just why they are rated so highly in the music scene around Stalybridge, Mossley and Uppermill. Beautiful, melodic arrangements. Musicianship of the highest order on banjo, slide and guitar with Michelles superb voice fronting it all.

Grant Baynham demonstrated his incredible fretboard skills in the way that only Grant can. A river of notes in full flood.

Jeff in his quiet and gentle manner showed himself at the top of his game with Brian providing superb, understated accompaniment where required. Michelle and Bonz joined Jeff and Brian for a fantastic foursome on 'Needlecase' demonstrating two different styles of banjo playing.

If you're anywhere near his tour destinations, don't miss him.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 15 Feb 12 - 06:06 AM

The Royal Oak at Lewes tomorrow (Thursday) night. Friday 17th at Bodmin Folk Club. Jeff has a night off on Saturday and then I head to Devon to join him for a concert at the Crabshell, Kingsbridge.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in Enlgand, Feb 2012
From: Vic Smith
Date: 15 Feb 12 - 06:11 AM

* See a video of Jeff singing am amazing version of Pretty Polly at http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/videos.htm

* Read a biography of Jeff at http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~tinvic/news.htm

* Hear Jeff sing The Bold Privateer at http://www.myspace.com/royaloakfolklewes

* But, best of all, hear this superb performer live at the Royal Oak in Lewes on Thursday 16th February

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: SylviaN
Date: 21 Feb 12 - 10:08 AM

Just a couple of days now (Thursday 23rd) and then we'll be seeing Jeff and Brian here in Derbyshire at the Old Oak Live Concert in Horsley Woodhouse.

Thanks Vic for the links to the live clips.

Sylvia

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 07:12 AM

Today - Wednesday - is Washington's birthday. I'm celebrating by going to see Jeff tonight at the Cross Keys, Uppermill, east of Oldham.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 09:03 AM

Thanks for flagging that up, Henry. I can reveal that Jeff has spent the morning rehearsing songs that you haven't heard him play so far!

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: SylviaN
Date: 22 Feb 12 - 03:15 PM

We're looking forward to hearing what you've both prepared for us tomorrow at the Old Oak (176 Main St, Horsley Woodhouse, Derbyshire).

Sylvia and Keith

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 23 Feb 12 - 07:36 AM

Jeff was on fine form at Uppermill last night, including in his set a banjo arrangement of 'Cindy' quite different from the way he'd done the same song at Stockport the previous week.

We're looking forward very much to playing the Old Oak together tonight. London-ish types can catch Jeff at Musical Traditions (tomorrow) or Walthamstow (Sunday).

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: SylviaN
Date: 24 Feb 12 - 05:26 AM

Superb performances from both Jeff and Brian last night at the Old Oak. Such great solo performers who also work so well together.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: GUEST,Ken hall
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 05:16 PM

Despite nearly losing his voice Jeff did a great night at the musical traditions club which included duets with Tom palsy and Michael wright

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: GUEST,Ken hall
Date: 27 Feb 12 - 05:20 PM

Who is Tom palsy you may well ask should be Tom Paley of course

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: Brian Peters
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 06:31 AM

I've just dropped Jeff at Manchester Airport. His music has given me and many other people a lot of pleasure during this trip, and I hope we'll be welcoming him back before too long.

Subject: RE: Jeff Davis (USA) in England, Feb 2012
From: Vic Smith
Date: 01 Mar 12 - 09:36 AM

I hope we'll be welcoming him back before too long.

Hear, Hear!