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21 Dec 03 - 02:26 PM (#1077291) Subject: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,An English Patriot 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. |
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21 Dec 03 - 02:32 PM (#1077300) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: treewind 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 |
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21 Dec 03 - 02:35 PM (#1077306) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Mr Happy Appeared this year Bodmin Folk Club with his band, see here: http://www.bodminfolk.freeserve.co.uk/photogal/davenport-1.htm |
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21 Dec 03 - 03:37 PM (#1077365) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: The Borchester Echo 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. |
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21 Dec 03 - 05:39 PM (#1077445) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Jim McLean 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! |
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22 Dec 03 - 03:10 AM (#1077657) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Terry K 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 |
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22 Dec 03 - 04:41 AM (#1077676) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,JOHN OF ELSIES`S BAND He is still a regular artist booked at "ELSIE`S". He was with us last in September. |
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22 Dec 03 - 12:47 PM (#1077825) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Les in Chorlton This is very worrying. If Bob is 70 the rest of us must be ............ |
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22 Dec 03 - 01:17 PM (#1077849) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Jim McLean Don't even mention it!! |
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22 Dec 03 - 05:35 PM (#1077989) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,An English Patriot 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? |
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23 Dec 03 - 05:00 AM (#1078278) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Geoff the Duck 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. |
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28 May 04 - 04:32 AM (#1195701) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Guest. Check out www.topicdrift.com/davenport for recent CDs. A BIG new one is also in preparation at Topic. |
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28 May 04 - 11:14 AM (#1195950) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Big Al Whittle 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 |
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28 May 04 - 11:15 AM (#1195952) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes 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. |
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15 Apr 12 - 11:44 AM (#3338650) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: peregrina Excellent set from Bob at The Grove last night. |
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15 Apr 12 - 03:41 PM (#3338757) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST 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' ! |
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16 Apr 12 - 04:14 AM (#3338947) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: r.padgett 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 |
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16 Apr 12 - 05:12 AM (#3338958) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: nutty there are a number of early Bob Davenport tracks on Spotify - they make wonderful listening. |
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16 Apr 12 - 08:04 AM (#3338989) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: The Sandman I dont think bob plays concertina, he often has r digby accompanying him on tina |
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23 Sep 16 - 12:30 PM (#3811013) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge 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. |
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24 Sep 16 - 07:01 AM (#3811084) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge 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.... |
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24 Sep 16 - 07:04 AM (#3811085) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge meant to say that the Rakes were formed in 1955 so have been on the road for SIXTY-ONE years! |
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01 Jun 19 - 11:30 AM (#3994797) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST Sadly the Rakes are now not playing together any more |
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10 Jan 23 - 03:43 AM (#4161933) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: The Sandman 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 |
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10 Jan 23 - 04:28 AM (#4161936) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: The Sandman here he is singing https://youtu.be/LhOKwZC4En4 |
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10 Jan 23 - 04:50 AM (#4161938) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: The Sandman here he is in 1964 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChsuMJDFsd4 |
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10 Jan 23 - 05:58 AM (#4161944) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge As far as I know, Bob is still in his wee flat near Grays Inn Road & had his 90th birthday lsst year |
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13 Jan 23 - 02:10 AM (#4162278) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: r.padgett 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 |
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13 Jan 23 - 03:55 AM (#4162281) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Jim McLean 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. |
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13 Jan 23 - 11:10 AM (#4162316) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Nick Dow Did he ever marry again? Just hoping he has some family to help him if he needs it. |
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13 Jan 23 - 11:13 AM (#4162318) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim Bainbridge his daughter Katharine is very much on the scene locally |
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13 Jan 23 - 11:26 AM (#4162321) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Nick Dow Grand. I'll always love his singing. |
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15 Jan 23 - 09:04 AM (#4162516) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST is the BD Institute of Tact & Diplomacy now closed?- not a man to mince words, is Bob |
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15 Jan 23 - 10:42 AM (#4162519) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Nick Dow 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. |
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15 Jan 23 - 12:11 PM (#4162523) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: Brian Peters "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. |
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16 Jan 23 - 12:58 PM (#4162669) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge 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...... |
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16 Jan 23 - 02:08 PM (#4162675) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Nick Dow 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. |
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17 Jan 23 - 05:57 AM (#4162720) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST 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 |
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17 Jan 23 - 05:59 AM (#4162722) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,jim bainbridge sorry- that was me- & it was 1979 |
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17 Jan 23 - 07:22 AM (#4162736) Subject: RE: Review: Bob Davenport From: GUEST,Nick Dow 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! |