Review: Bob Davenport

Subject: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,An English Patriot
Date: 21 Dec 03 - 02:26 PM

Does anyone know what has happened to Bob Davenport? I have some of his old vinyl records - "Down the Long Road", "Postcards Home" and "1977" - mostly recorded with a band called The Rakes. He sang unaccompanied, with The Rakes doing the occasional instrumental, and is one of the best folk singers that England ever produced. All the albums mentioned are absolutely wonderful and it is such a shame that they have not been released on CD. A few of the tracks on The Iron Muse are by him, but that is all that is available. He was a much better singer than McCall or A.L.Lloyd but he seems to have become neglected.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: treewind
Date: 21 Dec 03 - 02:32 PM

He's certainly benn around and singing recently.

I haven't heard him for a year or two, when he put in an appearance at Islington Folk club, still with that amazingly strong voice.

Anahata

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Mr Happy
Date: 21 Dec 03 - 02:35 PM

Appeared this year Bodmin Folk Club with his band, see here:

http://www.bodminfolk.freeserve.co.uk/photogal/davenport-1.htm

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 21 Dec 03 - 03:37 PM

Bob and the Rakes had a new recording released on Fellside about 4 years ago reviewed here in Musical traditions, the only real difference being that The Red Haired Lad is now snowy white.

He certainly hasn't diminished in volume and shows up frequently around North London as Anahata says. I saw him just a few weeks ago in fine voice.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Jim McLean
Date: 21 Dec 03 - 05:39 PM

I was at his 70th birthday party last year and he's still as good as new! Alex Campbell always said you could tell what key Bob was singing by the colour of his neck!

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Terry K
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 03:10 AM

Good to hear he is still "as good as new" as his last CD (review clickied above) is really disappointing. Turns out he had a cold and a sore throat.

I've always wondered why such a talent was never really acclaimed; his records and live performances were always fantastic. And he has always seemed so elusive - you have to make a real effort to track him down.

cheers, Terry

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,JOHN OF ELSIES`S BAND
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 04:41 AM

He is still a regular artist booked at "ELSIE`S". He was with us last in September.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Les in Chorlton
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 12:47 PM

This is very worrying. If Bob is 70 the rest of us must be ............

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Jim McLean
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 01:17 PM

Don't even mention it!!

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,An English Patriot
Date: 22 Dec 03 - 05:35 PM

I've just been looking at his records and noticed that they were all on Topic. I thought it curious that they hadn't released them on CD when I noticed a sticker on one of them with CM DISTRIBUTION on it. My heart sank. Isn't that the company owned by Dave Bulmer who has managed to deprive us all, bar one, of Nic Jones' priceless recordings?

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 23 Dec 03 - 05:00 AM

Topic Records still exists CLICK HERE, although the website doesn't seem to have anything listed by Bob Davenport.
It is possible that the CM sticker just means thath they sold you the record.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Guest.
Date: 28 May 04 - 04:32 AM

Check out www.topicdrift.com/davenport for recent CDs. A BIG new one is also in preparation at Topic.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:14 AM

At Weymouth festival a couple of weeks ago and there were a couple of geordies on the bill - Bob Fox and Jez Lowe.

I asked Bob Fox if he'd heard anything about him, and I think (this is only think ) he said that he was allright but he was in a home. He'd seen him less than a couple of weeks ago

great man as you say. I remember a storming gig in the 70's at Steve Rosron's old club somewhere I've forgotten in deepest Derbyshire. Powerful uncompromising ballads at the outset, then John Tams joined him on melodeon and they rocked out on Memphis Tennesse

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 28 May 04 - 11:15 AM

Bob's at John Tams' studio recording his new album this very day. He's in great form and the list of backing musicians involved is quite something.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: peregrina
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 11:44 AM

Excellent set from Bob at The Grove last night.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Apr 12 - 03:41 PM

Bob's OK- not in a home, but a small flat in the Grays Inn Road area of London, where he's lived for many years now. An unappreciated talent indeed, with more knowledge of the real music than any of the younger traditional music 'authorities' !

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: r.padgett
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 04:14 AM

It is many years since I first and last saw Bob and he was certainly an inspiration fo unaccompanied singers, and male singers at that for the "revival" other inspirations were Sean Cannon, Martin Whyndham Read, Nic Jones, Tony Rose and Dave Burland

Bob however was virtually all unaccompanied in those days although I believe he plays concertina too.

I got to the Grove on Sunday pm missed him

Maybe I will aspire to folk greatness and English LIving Tradition Standard Bearer eventually, like Bob

Ray

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: nutty
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 05:12 AM

there are a number of early Bob Davenport tracks on Spotify - they make wonderful listening.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Apr 12 - 08:04 AM

I dont think bob plays concertina, he often has r digby accompanying him on tina

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 23 Sep 16 - 12:30 PM

Dead right Dick- Bob doesn't play an instrument at all, his voice was always enough....although I do remember him playing triangle with a visiting Cajun band at the Fox in Islington many years ago!

He was at the Musical Traditions club in London last Friday, singing to the accompaniment of Roger Digby's 'anglo' concertina- maybe that's the source of any confusion- they have recorded together.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Sep 16 - 07:01 AM

Just had another look at the first post here- the 'band called the Rakes' who backed Bob Davenport on those early LPs and EPs and more recent CDs are playing for their very last dance this very evening.

For the record, and in my opinion, the Rakes (of Gravesend, originally) have been the most rhythmic, tight and reliable band on the English scene for many years.

Unappreciated to some extent, maybe, but their adherence to real traditional music has shown the way to many, like myself, who have been inspired by them over the years.

Another quote from that original post is that Bob Davenport is a 'much better singer than McCall (sic) and AL Lloyd'- well, I know my preference, but as I don't wish to start a war I'll keep that to myself....

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 24 Sep 16 - 07:04 AM

meant to say that the Rakes were formed in 1955 so have been on the road for SIXTY-ONE years!

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Jun 19 - 11:30 AM

Sadly the Rakes are now not playing together any more

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Jan 23 - 03:43 AM

Another quote from that original post is that Bob Davenport is a 'much better singer than McCall (sic) and AL Lloyd' quote
it depends how you define good singing there are certain aspects of technique, such as singing in tune, breath control, diction, the rest is a question of taste and subjectivity

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Jan 23 - 04:28 AM

here he is singing
https://youtu.be/LhOKwZC4En4

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Jan 23 - 04:50 AM

here he is in 1964
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChsuMJDFsd4

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 10 Jan 23 - 05:58 AM

As far as I know, Bob is still in his wee flat near Grays Inn Road & had his 90th birthday lsst year

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: r.padgett
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 02:10 AM

JUst found this thread again ~ good to hear Bob is still "here" ~he was a real "leather lungs" with a good range and repertoire

A regular at Whitby folk festival, many years

Ray

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Jim McLean
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 03:55 AM

I spoke to Bob recently just after my wife Alison passed away. He was an old friend of both of us. He seemed fine, but I was told he has eye problems. He really is a nice person, always cheery.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 11:10 AM

Did he ever marry again? Just hoping he has some family to help him if he needs it.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim Bainbridge
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 11:13 AM

his daughter Katharine is very much on the scene locally

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 13 Jan 23 - 11:26 AM

Grand. I'll always love his singing.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 09:04 AM

is the BD Institute of Tact & Diplomacy now closed?- not a man to mince words, is Bob

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 10:42 AM

He does not suffer fools. However, there was an autistic woman in a folk club who knew every word he sang and was singing some of the words before he did. It would have put off any singer, and eventually, it affected his singing and he had to stop. I have never seen a more diplomatic, tactful, and apologetic man on the stage. Let's get it right.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Brian Peters
Date: 15 Jan 23 - 12:11 PM

"there was an autistic woman in a folk club who knew every word he sang and was singing some of the words before he did. It would have put off any singer, and eventually, it affected his singing and he had to stop. I have never seen a more diplomatic, tactful, and apologetic man on the stage."

A good many years ago I witnessed another well-known professional singer confront exactly the same situation with the diplomatic and tactful response: "Will you f***ing SHUT UP!!"

I'm glad you shared this, Nick, since some previous reports of Bob Davenport's outbursts haven't put him in a very good light. However, I would agree that he is a thrilling singer.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 12:58 PM

There is no doubt that Bob Davenport has strong views about the music. It didn't coincide with the folk music 'authorities' of past years, and a lot of bitterness arose, more recently on mudcat pages.

   Bob is never had patience with the more academic and rigid approach of some people and clubs, but tolerant and helpful to anyone who tried to understand his view of the tradition.

    He argued that the tradition was alive among the people, ie the general population rather than in acadenia and library books.

   So much traditional material has been recorded in private homes, pubs & other locations that it's a valid view, but not welcomed by many, and open to discussion.

   I'll always be grateful for Bob's 'ear' for a live music event. Many a time has he whispered in my ear- 'play so & so' and it's been exactly what's needed at that moment. 'Keep it going- start the next tune before the clapping stops' is another gem & that works as well in building an atmosphere.

I've written this in past tense, as my time with him is in the past, but he's very much alive I know, and long may that continue.

Nor is this meant to provoke any heated discussions with anyone who wants to argue- please do it elsewhere, but if you don't know Bob's archive, do listen, his status in the traditional music revival is as high as anyone's......

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 16 Jan 23 - 02:08 PM

Jim, I'm perplexed by one or two of your statements. I am the first to condemn pen and ink folklorists, but we really do not have many if any in this day and age. Bob's archive is available on the BL Sound archive (if you can get it to work!) All folksong collections took, and take, place in homes and pubs. So I am quite at a loss as to how those events did not coincide with 'authorities'. I am also wondering who the 'authorities' were. Bob's view certainly coincides with 99.9% of folklorists old and modern in my experience. So no heated discussion is necessary.

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 05:57 AM

Nick, you're right about where songs & music were collected- maybe it's more about how it was (and maybe still is?) presented?

I'm pretty out of date with the folk scene & intend to remain so. Not away from my own interpretation of the music. I don't think we've met, and I don't know much about 'folklorists' or their theories.

Bob's idea of presentation was well demonstrated at the Islington 'Fox' club in the 60s, and its successors.

Its informality was in fairly major contrast to the often precious and rigid attitudes around at the time, but if you think I'm going to name anyone, no thanks- we've been there before....

Your mention of Bob's BL archive reminds me that you'll find there a typical recording of a lively night we had with Bob & Johnny Doughty at the Smarden Bell in Kent in 1976- it was a regular session at the time, often with Kate Bush & the late Jeff Beck in the bar- how's that for name-dropping

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 05:59 AM

sorry- that was me- & it was 1979

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,Nick Dow
Date: 17 Jan 23 - 07:22 AM

Yes, that's understandable. The exclusive and long-outdated attitudes would have been a mystery to most traditional singers in my experience. The early collectors had some excuse for their selection in as much as a number of the songs were to be found on street literature on sale up the road, however, the second revival has no such justification. I can see how Bob would be dis-chuffed when one of the nameless (who also changed his attitude quite dramatically in later years) shouted at him from the floor while he was singing.
By the way, I witnessed Bob returning the compliment in London many years ago. Hilarious!

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 31 Oct 24 - 01:33 PM

I just found this again! Re the night at the Smarden 'Bell' in Kent in 1979, it was intended to be part of the 'Boldon Lad' BFI film by John Tchalenko, but didn't make the 'cut'

I cannot imagine why not- it did make the BL sound library-- maybe the camera was off, but I have a wonderful image of Johnny Doughty, in the middle of a lovely 'flanagan**'after a few 'treacles***' sitting in his chair & singing 'Climb up on my knee, Sonny Boy'when Bob took up the challenge and did just that......

** singsong
*** Guinness
                (Johnny Doughty terms)

Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport
From: Nick Dow
Date: 31 Oct 24 - 04:13 PM

Lovely! I have met a good number of traditional singers in my time and I have yet to meet one who did not know how to enjoy themselves, that goes especially for the Gypsy folk over the years. I met Johnny Doughty at Loughborough festival in the seventies. He's always been a favourite of mine.