Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?

Subject: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: alanabit
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 04:44 PM

I have memories of hearing Donovan singing a couple of songs on his early albums which were covers. The numbers in question are "Gold Watch Blues" and "The War Drags On". I always believed that they were Bert Jansch songs. It is possible that they would have known each other, as they both came from Scotland and must have been contemporaries. I have belatedly discovered the wonderful Bert Jansch. However, I can't find these songs on any Bert Jansch album. Has my memory been playing tricks on me? Also, does anyone know who was "Gypsy Dave", who was associated with Donovan in the early days. What became of him? Alan.

Subject: RE: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: Malcolm Douglas
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 05:04 PM

Both songs were written by Mick Softley.  Donovan did cover Jansch's Oh Deed I Do, though, and possibly others.

Subject: RE: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: Bugsy
Date: 02 Jul 01 - 10:23 PM

It's a long time ago now but I believe that Gyspy Davey was Donovan's travelling companion and Manager in the early days.

That's around the time I believe he was hanging around with Derek Brimstone and Derrol Adams.

CHeers

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: alanabit
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 12:35 AM

Thanks Malcolm. Can you tell me anything about Mick Softley? That's a new name for me. Maybe I've been missing out on something! Does anyone else have anything on Gypsy Dave? Alan.

Subject: RE: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 12:40 AM

Alan, if you go to www.google.com and type in "Mick Softley" you will come away with a fair bit of information. You will also get some snippets of info on Gypsy Dave if you type in "Donovan Gypsy Dave"

Murray

Subject: RE: Donovan Covers - Bert Jansch Originals?
From: LR Mole
Date: 03 Jul 01 - 11:07 AM

There's a Donovan song called "House of Jansch" on the Mellow Yellow LP (unless it's the Sunshine Superman LP). A very Early Donovan has a song called "Hey Gyp (dig the slowness)", which I think is a different title on an old jug band tune that the Kweskin Band covered. And in the photos in the center of the Greatest Hits LP, someone is pictured and captioned Sexy Gypsy Dave. "To Try For The Sun" mentions "the Gypsy boy and I".I was back in Rhode Island when all this was going on, y'understand, trying to figure out if Paul was dead. It either fits together or I'm Oliver Stone. Which I am not.